The experience was not just horrifying for one Wake Forest family, but also very costly, with medical bills piling up as a family member remains in the hospital severely injured.
The family is not ready to go on camera just yet, but they are online.
They are not just dealing with what happened, but healing, and that costs money. Therefore, they have set up a fundraiser for their mounting hospital bills.
"It was heartbreaking that it was them. I was shocked that it was, "said Kiesha Sprull, family friend and godmother to one of the victims.
Sprull has been appointed spokesperson for the Gorham family.
Father Anthony Gorham, mother Kisha Gorham, and 14-year-old son Justen Gorham were thrown off the Vortex ride and badly hurt.
"[They have] injuries similar to that of being in car accident...they're still dealing with having to go through physical therapy, managing pain day by day," Sprull told ABC11.
Kisha and Justen are now out of the hospital, but Anthony is still being treated for severe brain, skull, neck, and spinal injuries.
"He's coming around. He is progressing," said Sprull.
Since Anthony and his wife are currently unable to work, the family set up a website to raise money.
The goal is to reach $10,000, and they are more than halfway there.
» Click here to visit the Give 2 the Gorhams fundraising page «
"When things like this happen, it makes you feel good to know people care enough to wonder what's going on. Prayers have been sent their way and the public support and outreach is just amazing. They are overjoyed with the way people are reaching out and trying to help them," said Sprull.
She says the family is just focused on getting better.
The ride operator, Tim Tutterrow, and an employee of the company that owns the ride, Joshua Macaroni, have since been charged in the accident.
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