Tribute grows in roller coaster tragedy

DARIEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - There's a growing online tribute to an Iraq war veteran killed in an accident at Darien Lake.

More than 2,000 people have already joined the Facebok tribute to Sergeant James Hackemer , who was killed Friday falling from the Ride of Steel roller coaster at Darien Lake.

Family members say the recovering Army veteran died doing something he loved and that he never let the fact that he lost most of both legs stop him.

People have been going online all weekend to thank him for his service and send their prayers to his loved ones, who say the trip to Darien Lake was just what James needed.

James’ sister Jody Hackemer said, “We've all said this all day today, is however long he was on that ride, a minute, a minute and a half, it had to have been the best time in the last three and a half years. It was the only time in the last three and a half years that he felt completely normal again.”

The accident is still under investigation and the Ride of Steel coaster will be closed until that investigation is complete.

Funeral arrangements for Sergeant Hackemer haven't yet been announced.