A family outing at a popular North Carolina animal attraction turned into tragedy when a falling tree branch startled a team of horses, sending three passengers tumbling from a wagon and leaving an 80-year-old grandmother with injuries that ultimately claimed her life.
Ruth Quesenberry died Thursday, October 22, five days after the accident at Lazy 5 Ranch near Mooresville, approximately 35 miles northeast of Charlotte.
Her death was confirmed by her devastated son, Eddie Quesenberry, who shared an emotional tribute describing his mother as his best friend and remembering the little traditions that made their relationship so special.
“My heart is broken, and life will never be the same without you,” he wrote.
The accident happened Saturday, October 17, while Ruth was visiting the drive-through animal park with her sister, Julia Osbourne, and a family friend.
The group was enjoying one of the ranch’s popular horse-drawn wagon rides, which allow visitors to travel through the property and get close to exotic animals, including giraffes, zebras and antelope.
But the peaceful excursion took a frightening turn when a tree limb suddenly fell and struck the side of their wagon.
According to ranch officials, the unexpected impact startled the horses, causing them to jump and throwing three passengers from the wagon.
Emergency responders rushed to help the injured visitors, who were transported to nearby hospitals.
Ruth suffered severe head injuries and underwent emergency brain surgery as doctors worked to control swelling and bleeding.
Her son later explained that surgeons had to remove part of her skull to relieve pressure on her brain.
For several days, the family remained hopeful, even as Ruth required intensive medical care and assistance with breathing.
Eddie initially said doctors had warned that his mother’s recovery could take months if she survived.
Sadly, her condition did not improve enough for her to return home.
On Thursday, Eddie announced that Ruth had died, describing the loss as something his family could hardly comprehend.
“My mom gained her angel wings,” he wrote.
He remembered her as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who treated everyone she met like family.
But it was the ordinary moments they shared that he said he would miss most.
Every Friday morning, Eddie and his mother had a tradition of visiting Aunt Bea’s Cafe for breakfast. They would stop to buy lottery tickets, exchange neighborhood gossip and reminisce about his childhood.
Following her death, Eddie returned to the restaurant and ordered one of her favorite meals, biscuits and gravy, a heartbreaking reminder of the mornings they would never share again.
“I would give anything for one more Friday with you,” he wrote.
Even in his grief, Eddie found comfort in knowing that his mother had chosen to become an organ donor.
He said the possibility that her generosity could help other families brought a small measure of hope during an otherwise devastating time.
Ruth’s sister Julia was also seriously injured in the wagon accident. Earlier reports indicated she suffered injuries to her neck and shoulders, while the third passenger reportedly sustained a back injury.
Their latest medical conditions have not been publicly confirmed.
The horses involved in the accident were examined and found to be unharmed, according to Lazy 5 Ranch. The wagon driver was also reported to be doing well.
Following Ruth’s death, the ranch released a statement expressing sympathy for the family.
“This is not a time for words. This is a time for grief,” the attraction said. “And we at Lazy 5 Ranch grieve with the Quesenberry family.”
The ranch also addressed questions about the safety of its horse-drawn rides.
Officials said the attraction has welcomed more than three million wagon passengers since opening in 1993 and that this was the first accident in its history resulting in injuries requiring overnight hospitalization.
Management acknowledged that working with large animals and operating outdoor attractions involves risks, particularly when unexpected natural events occur.
The ranch said it continually evaluates those risks through equipment maintenance, driver training, horse selection and upkeep of its roads.
The accident has nevertheless raised concerns about how quickly an ordinary wagon ride can become dangerous when horses are startled.
Even well-trained horses can react suddenly to unexpected sounds or impacts, and their powerful movements can create hazards for passengers riding in open wagons.
For Ruth’s family, however, the immediate concern is not the attraction’s safety record but the loss of a woman who meant everything to them.
A fundraiser has been established to help the family manage medical expenses and other costs associated with the accident.
As loved ones continue mourning, Eddie hopes people will remember his mother for her kindness, generosity and the happiness she brought into their lives.
What began as a day spent enjoying animals and the outdoors ended in an unimaginable tragedy. But for those who knew Ruth, her life will be remembered through something far more meaningful: the love she shared with her family and the countless little moments they will always cherish.
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