USA: † Industry Veteran Stan J. Checketts Passed Away at the Age 80

Stan J. Checketts hailed from Logan in the US state of Utah. When he heard of people jumping off bridges and cliffs on rubber bands in New Zealand, it sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1994, Checketts founded S&S Sports, Inc. (now S&S Sansei Technologies) and installed high-thrill attractions worldwide as well as, for example, the “Big Shot“ droptower on the roof of the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas.

In 2002, he succeeded in entering the “Guinness Book of Records“ as the world‘s fastest roller coaster with a top speed of 172 km/h with the “Dodonpa“ launch coaster installed at Fuji-Q Highland (Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan). In 2010, Stan Checketts then founded Soaring Eagle Zipline, Inc. and concentrated with the new company on the installation of ziplines, “Saddle Swings“ or the “Daring Drop“ freefall ride. In total, the entrepreneur owns more than 20 patents for various attractions and rides. Checketts‘ installations can be found in 28 countries worldwide in renowned park destinations such as Cedar Point and Knott’s Berry Farm. Stan J. Checketts passed away surrounded by his family in Providence, Utha on January 2nd, just a few days before is 81th birthday. (eap)