25 Years Later: The Shocking True Story Of Fabio, The Goose, And The Apollo’s Chariot Roller Coaster

Few pop culture moments from the 1990s remain as bizarrely memorable as the time Italian-American supermodel Fabio Lanzoni was struck in the face by a goose while riding a roller coaster. This unbelievable event, which occurred on the inaugural run of Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s newest thrill ride, instantly cemented its place in theme park history and became a defining—if painful—moment for the model. As of December 11, 2025, the legend of the "Fabio Goose Incident" continues to fascinate, prompting millions to search for the true, shocking details of what happened at over 70 miles per hour.

The incident, often referred to by fans as "The Goosening," goes far beyond a simple celebrity mishap; it’s a high-speed collision that resulted in a bloodied face, a tragic loss for a Canadian goose, and an enduring legacy of curiosity. What exactly was the extent of Fabio’s injury, why was he on the ride in the first place, and what is his current perspective on the day his face became an unexpected weapon? We dive deep into the full, true story of one of the most famous roller coaster accidents ever recorded.

Fabio Lanzoni: A Complete Biography and Profile

Before the goose strike, Fabio Lanzoni was already a household name, synonymous with romance, muscle, and flowing blonde hair. His career trajectory from Italian model to American pop culture icon is extensive and varied.

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• Full Name: Fabio Lanzoni
• Known Mononymously As: Fabio
• Date of Birth: March 15, 1959
• Birthplace: Milan, Italy
• Nationality: Italian-American
• Primary Professions: Fashion Model, Actor, Author, Spokesperson
• Career Highlights:
  • Appeared on the cover of over 3,000 romance novels throughout the 1980s and 1990s, establishing his iconic status.
  • Served as a celebrity spokesperson for numerous major brands, including I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! and Nationwide Insurance.
  • Authored a series of historical romance novels.
  • Starred in films and television shows, including the movie Acapulco H.E.A.T. and appearances on The Bold and the Beautiful.
  • Holds an estimated net worth of approximately $16 million as of 2024, a testament to his varied and long-running career.

The Fateful Inaugural Ride on Apollo’s Chariot (March 30, 1999)

The incident that forever linked Fabio’s name with theme park lore occurred on March 30, 1999, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia.

Busch Gardens had invited the supermodel to be the celebrity guest for the grand opening and inaugural ride of their new hypercoaster, Apollo’s Chariot. The choice was intentional; the coaster was named after the Greek god, and Fabio, with his muscular build and long, flowing hair, was seen as the perfect embodiment of a modern-day Greek deity.

The High-Speed Collision

Apollo’s Chariot is a high-speed roller coaster, and during the ride, the train reaches speeds of up to 73 miles per hour (some accounts suggest as high as 85 mph) as it drops over 200 feet.

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As the coaster descended the first major drop, a Canadian goose—estimated to weigh around 10 pounds—flew directly into the path of the train. The bird struck Fabio directly in the face, specifically his nose, with the force of the high-speed impact.

Fabio later recounted the moment, describing the incredible speed and the unexpected nature of the collision. The impact was so severe that it killed the goose instantly and left Fabio with a significant injury.

The Immediate Aftermath and Injury Details

Despite the shocking nature of the event, the roller coaster completed its circuit. When the train pulled back into the station, the scene was dramatic: Fabio was covered in blood, which was streaming from his nose and face.

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Park staff and emergency personnel immediately rushed to his aid. The supermodel was taken to a local hospital where he received sutures for a one-inch laceration across the bridge of his nose. Mercifully, considering the speed and the size of the bird, his injuries were relatively minor, consisting mainly of the cut and significant bruising.

Fabio himself called his survival a "miracle," acknowledging that the impact could have been fatal or caused far more serious, disfiguring injuries. The incident was a terrifying reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can occur even on a seemingly safe, controlled attraction.

"Goosegate" and the Pop Culture Frenzy

The story of the supermodel, the goose, and the roller coaster immediately exploded into a global news phenomenon, quickly becoming a piece of theme park and pop culture lore dubbed "Goosegate."

The event was a perfect storm for media attention: a famous celebrity, a dramatic and unusual accident, and the high-speed setting of an amusement park. It was covered on every major news network and became a staple of late-night talk show jokes for weeks. The sheer absurdity of the collision—a man known for his flawless looks being assaulted by a bird—made it unforgettable.

The incident also became an immediate cautionary tale, raising questions about safety and wildlife management near high-speed attractions, though ultimately, it was deemed a freak accident.

Fabio’s Reflections and The Incident’s Legacy 25 Years On

The year 2024 marked the 25th anniversary of the Apollo’s Chariot goose strike, prompting a new wave of media interest and reflections from Fabio himself.

In recent interviews, Fabio has spoken candidly about the event, often with a sense of humor, but always underscoring the severity of the collision. He has consistently maintained that the event was a pivotal moment, a reminder of the fragility of life, and a story that he is constantly asked to recount.

The legacy of the "Fabio Goose Roller Coaster" is multifaceted:

• An Enduring Pop Culture Reference: It remains a shorthand reference for bizarre, freak accidents, frequently mentioned in discussions of roller coaster history and celebrity mishaps.
• A Coaster Legend: Apollo’s Chariot is still a popular ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and the incident is an unofficial part of the coaster’s lore, often discussed by theme park enthusiasts and historians.
• Fabio’s Resilience: The event did not derail his career. Instead, it added an unexpected layer of resilience and humor to his public persona, proving that even a supermodel can survive an aerial assault.

Despite the initial shock and the blood, Fabio’s quick recovery and ability to laugh about the incident have allowed the story to evolve from a terrifying accident into a legendary, albeit strange, piece of pop culture history. The man who graced thousands of romance novel covers now also holds the unique distinction of being the only person to ever be struck by a goose on a high-speed roller coaster and live to tell the tale.