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What Happened to the Disney World Performer Who Played Gaston?

Devon Staples and his peers just wanted to enjoy the fourth of July together in the backyard of their friend’s house in Maine. Drinking and lighting fireworks to celebrate the night, a tragic sequence of events soon followed, changing the fourth of July forever. 

22-year-old Devon Staples, Disney performer of both Gaston and Goofy at Disney World, had passed away immediately on the fourth of July when he lit up a reloadable firework mortar tube on his head.

Who is Devon Staples?

Famously described as the happiest place on Earth, going to Disneyland Park has always been an enjoyable experience for all ages. Other than going to rides, delicious food, or just merely wandering around the theme park, Disney fans can also meet real-life versions of their favorite character, may they be the protagonists or antagonists of their story. 

One of the characters you can meet in Disneyland or Disney World is Gaston, the main protagonist in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Another is Goofy, the iconic dog character and close friend of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. 
22-year-old Devon Staples of Calais, who works as a Disney performer of both Gaston and Goofy in Disney World, as described by his older brother Cody, is a person everybody should aspire to be when they grow up. In addition to being a Disney actor, Devon also worked as a dog walker to aid people who had pet concerns. In general, Devon loved to make people happy. (Source: Daily Mail)

He loved it. He loved making people happy. Anyone who would want to give a tribute to Devon should go out and do something nice for someone. Show some love to someone you don’t know. That kid was all about showing people love.

Cody Staples

With that said, nobody would expect the suddenness of Devon’s death, especially on the fourth of July. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

The Fourth of July Tragedy

On the fourth of July in 2015, Devon Staples decided to spend his evening in his friend’s house on South Street. To continue the night happily, Devon and his friends had been drinking. According to the Maine Department of Security, the group of peers has also been setting off fireworks. (Source: Daily Mail


While celebrating, Devon lit up a reloadable firework mortar tube placed on his head. In a Variety article written in 2015, Stephen McCausland, State Department of Public Safety spokesman, explained the quick sequence of events. (Source: Variety)

Apparently, he thought that was a great idea. His friends said they thought they had dissuaded him from doing it, and the next thing they knew, he ignited the fireworks, and he was killed instantly.

Stephen McCausland

Cody Staples explained to the New York Daily Press that the incident was a ‘freak’ accident as his brother was holding a lighter, which accidentally lit up the firework. Despite being the closest to him in proximity, Cody was already too late, and when he arrived at the scene, Devon had already passed. Kathleen Staples, Devon’s mother, agrees with Cody, stating that Devon would’ve thought it was a dud. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

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