Jailed Bouncy Castle Owners Now Run Rides at Winter Wonderland

In November 2025, it was revealed that William Thurston Jr, 36, and his wife Shelby, 34, who were jailed for 3 years in 2018 following the death of a 7-year-old girl on a bouncy castle they were running, now operate the Avalanche waltzers at the annual Winter Wonderland event in London's Hyde Park.

The tragic incident occurred in March 2016 when 7-year-old Summer Grant was inside a bouncy castle at a fair in Harlow, Essex, that blew away in strong winds, killing her. The court heard that the Thurstons had failed to properly anchor the bouncy castle or monitor weather conditions, and had even packed up the attraction before police arrived.

Now, despite their past, the Thurstons continue to be involved in the fairground industry, with their Avalanche waltzers becoming a popular attraction at Winter Wonderland, which attracts over 3 million visitors each year. However, the couple's troubles don't end there, as former employees have raised concerns about the safety practices of the staff hired to run their rides, particularly a manager who was allegedly frequently under the influence of cocaine.

The Thurstons have responded to these allegations, stating that they thoroughly investigate any concerns raised about their employees and that the manager in question has since left the company for unrelated reasons. They also maintain that their rides comply with all relevant safety regulations and are inspected by industry bodies.