Imagine a ride so extreme, so intense, that there’s no way to get off alive. That’s exactly what one man envisioned when he designed a ‘euthanasia coaster,’ a theoretical rollercoaster engineered for one final, dramatic experience. Unlike traditional amusement rides that aim to thrill and exhilarate, this concept was built with a singular and irreversible purpose—to bring a painless, euphoric death.
This bizarre and controversial concept has sparked heated debates, drawing attention from engineers, ethicists, and the public alike. The idea of an amusement park ride designed solely for ending life raises profound moral and ethical questions.
The Man Behind the Hypothetical Death Machine
The Euthanasia Coaster is the brainchild of Julijonas Urbonas, an artist, engineer, and former amusement park director. He is also the founder of the Lithuanian Space Agency and an associate professor at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. With a deep fascination for extreme experiences, Urbonas sought to push the limits of human endurance and explore the intersection of technology, art, and mortality.
According to him, the coaster is neither completely real nor entirely fictional—it exists in a liminal space between concept and reality. Though it has never been built, its design is precise, calculated, and meticulously engineered to perform a grim function.
How Would the Euthanasia Coaster Work?
Unlike a conventional rollercoaster that delivers an adrenaline rush followed by relief, this ride would only accelerate toward one inevitable outcome.
The ride would start with a slow, steady ascent, climbing to an astonishing 510 meters (1,673 feet)—just short of the tallest building in the United States. At this height, passengers would have a final choice: exit safely or proceed.
If they choose to continue, they must manually trigger the ride. Once activated, the coaster would plunge downward at a staggering 223 miles per hour (359 km/h), subjecting riders to extreme G-forces. The train would then race through a series of seven consecutive loops, each one tightening in size to maintain the forces necessary to cause loss of consciousness and eventually death.
The ride would create cerebral hypoxia, a condition in which the brain is deprived of oxygen. This leads to a euphoric sensation, followed by tunnel vision, loss of motor control, unconsciousness, and ultimately, a painless death.
A Controversial Perspective on Euthanasia
Urbonas has never advocated for assisted suicide or euthanasia, but he acknowledges that the practice exists in certain countries. His goal, he claims, was not to promote this idea but to reimagine how people might approach the end of life.
“Euthanasia is legal in some places, yet the current methods are often mundane and clinical,” Urbonas stated. “This coaster was meant to explore the possibility of a more meaningful, ritualistic, and personal exit.”
Despite its theoretical nature, the design has gained widespread attention. Some see it as a thought-provoking artistic statement about mortality and human agency, while others view it as disturbing and unethical.
The Internet’s Reaction: Horror, Fascination, and Debate
The idea of the Euthanasia Coaster has left people stunned and horrified. Many struggle to wrap their heads around the concept of a death machine disguised as a thrill ride.
On social media, users have expressed shock, disbelief, and morbid curiosity. Comments range from dark humor to genuine horror:
- “This is like a final destination ride, but in real life.”
- “Who in their right mind would even think of something like this?”
- “The fact that someone actually designed this is unsettling.”
- “Imagine strapping in, hearing the lap bar lock, and realizing there’s no getting off.”
Others see it as an artistic exploration of mortality, sparking discussions about human choice, dignity, and the role of technology in end-of-life decisions.
The Coaster That Will Never Be Built—Or Will It?
Although the Euthanasia Coaster remains a concept, it has already made a lasting impact on conversations surrounding death and design.
A virtual simulation of the ride has been created, allowing people to experience what it would be like to take that final plunge—without the consequences. The unsettling animation has only added to the fascination, showing how the coaster would gradually strip away consciousness as it spirals toward its inevitable end.
Since its unveiling, the concept has received recognition in the world of speculative design and won the Public Prize of New Technological Art at Update 2013.
Despite its fame, no company, government, or amusement park has taken steps to bring it to reality. And perhaps, that’s for the best.