Man dies after riding Disney World coaster

44-year-old dies of natural causes after riding Expedition Everest

	A 44-year-old man died Dec. 18 after riding Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest. Before Tuesday's death, at least 15 people had died at Disney's theme parks in Florida and California since 1989, some with previous health conditions.

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updated 4:43 p.m. ET Dec. 19, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. - A medical examiner in Florida says a 44-year-old man who died after riding a roller coaster at Walt Disney World Tuesday had a pre-existing heart condition that caused his death.

The Florida man, Jeffery Reeb, was pulled unresponsive from the Expedition Everest ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate that he died of natural causes.

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Deputies say he appeared to be conscious about 50 seconds before the ride ended, because his photograph was taken then.

The ride reopened yesterday afternoon after an inspection found it was operating properly.

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