A unique and highly controversial creation known as the ‘euthanasia coaster’ has been designed to offer a singular, final ride for its passengers. The idea behind this ride is to provide an experience that leads to death, stirring quite a bit of discussion online.
Euthanasia, the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering, is legal in some countries and remains a heated topic. This new concept adds a dramatic twist to the conversation.
Developed by Julijonas Urbonas, the coaster is more than just a ride — it’s a theoretical exploration into the limits of human experience and a proposal for an extreme end-of-life option. Urbonas, the mind behind the Lithuanian Space Agency, is an artist, designer, and former director of an amusement park, adding layers of intrigue to his creation.
The design is meant to entertain until the very end, delivering a blend of thrill, euphoria, and ultimately, a peaceful farewell. Urbonas describes his coaster as a ‘hypothetical death machine’, balancing the thrill of a ride with the concept of a humane end. “Riding the coaster’s track,” Urbonas explains, “the rider is subjected to a series of intensive motion elements that induce various unique experiences from euphoria to thrill, and from tunnel vision to loss of consciousness, and, eventually, death.”
However, it’s important to emphasize that the coaster exists merely as a concept. It’s not a real-world creation, but rather a provocative piece of art that raises questions and challenges perceptions.
Urbonas himself speaks of the coaster as neither fiction nor reality but lingering in an imaginative space. This perspective has captivated a list of individuals curious about experiencing the ride, despite Urbonas having no immediate plans to construct it.
The hypothetical coaster pushes the boundaries of human experience using intense gravitational forces designed to make thrill and loss of consciousness part of the ride. The conceptual design comprises a steep drop-off followed by seven smaller loops, each increasing in intensity.
TikToker Luke Davidson has gained attention through his videos, where he delves into the mechanics of this coaster. According to Davidson, the ride begins with a significant ascent before the breathtaking drop, allowing only those at the peak to decide whether to continue or return safely. This is part of its eerie charm — the ultimate choice rests with the rider when it matters most.
If one chooses to proceed, the coaster dips into a rapid descent reaching speeds up to 223 miles per hour. The loops are calibrated to exert forces so powerful that they induce a gradual loss of consciousness, ideally ending in death without perceived suffering. Davidson claims this was designed primarily for cerebral suffocation — when the brain receives too little oxygen.
The notion of losing consciousness and gradually fading away through carefully calculated measures has encouraged a deeper dialogue around how death could be perceived as a potentially euphoric experience.
This captivating yet controversial concept has fascinated the media and public since its reveal, even winning the Public Prize of New Technological Art in 2013. Those intrigued by this imaginative creation can watch a visual simulation that offers a glimpse of what it might feel like to embark on such a final journey.
The discussion of euthanasia remains sensitive and deeply personal. For those who find themselves affected by thoughts of distress or questions about this topic, it’s vital to know there are resources available for support. Anyone in the U.S. can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). In the U.K., the Samaritans offer confidential support at 116 123.
