Shock death of Chance Rides president
Mike Chance died on April 19 at the age of just 42.
The president of Chance Rides Manufacturing was instrumental in moving Chance Rides into rollercoaster design and manufacturing and is survived by his wife, Mindi, and one son. He had been president of the family firm for nearly 11 years.
Chance Rides is offering ongoing grief counseling to its 100 employees. A statement dated April 20 on the Chance Rides website from Dick Chance, Mike’s father and the company’s CEO, reads as follows:
“Yesterday our family and company suffered a tremendous loss. Our son and company president Mike Chance lost his long‐term and well‐fought battle with depression. Mike had suffered from this tough disease for years and had faithfully sought treatment and relief from its effects. Like any other disease that is not yet well understood, depression is often difficult to successfully treat.
We are proud of Mike for bravely fighting this disease for years while living a full and rich life as a wonderful husband and father, son, grandson, brother, friend and a great company leader. He was a triathlete who competed alongside friends in Iron Man triathlons across the country.
Mike valiantly fought this disease while focusing on doing great work together with our employees so the fact that he had this disease will come as a surprise to many who knew him.
Just as with other diseases that take our loved ones too early, our family’s hope is that research into the treatment for depression will advance. And that those seeking relief from this disease will find a path to successful treatment.”
The Chance family has announced that the funeral service has been set for 10am on Wednesday, April 27, at the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas. A reception will follow at the Wichita Country Club.
