A tragic accident occurred at Lawrenceburg?s Middle Tennessee District Fair at around 8:00 PM on Friday evening (Sept. 28, 2007). Lawrenceburg resident Gracie Henson was riding the W. G. Wade Shows Giant Wheel when she fell from one of the gondolas. Units from the Lawrenceburg Fire Department and Lawrenceburg Emergency Medical Service responded to the scene and rescued Ms. Henson who had come to rest on part of the ride?s support structure. The victim was transported via Life Flight to Vanderbilt Hospital and Nashville media reported Friday night that she was in critical condition.

Bill Phillips, spokesman for the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club and the Middle Tennessee District Fair reported that the ride has been shut down until a full inspection of ride mechanics can be completed and the ride is determined to be safe. The Giant Wheel will be inspected by a nationally recognized independent ride safety expert who is expected to arrive in Lawrenceburg sometime on Saturday.

Phillips also stated ?Our hearts and prayers go out to Ms. Henson and her family. The Rotary Club and the Middle Tennessee District Fair will cooperate fully with all appropriate authorities and W. G. Wade Shows, and we all look forward to receiving the results of any resulting investigation?. Phillips also thanked Lawrenceburg Fire, EMS, and Police and Lawrence County Sherriff?s Department personnel for their rapid response and professional handling of the incident.