This day in history: Fabio vs. the goose | March 30, 1999

It was 24 years ago today.

"We found the bird ... It was a goose. It's dead."

Fabio is fine.

On March 30, 1999, Busch Gardens held opening ceremonies for their new roller coaster, Apollo's Chariot. What would make for a great dedication of this magnificent roller coaster?

How about Italian Supermodel Fabio, portraying Apollo riding the coaster escorted by goddesses!

Perfect!

The roller coaster reached the top of its climb. It was all set to drop from a height of 210 feet – to fall at over 70 mph. Fabio's golden mane lifted perfectly by the air and smiles beamed from the faces of the riders.

It dropped.

And then … a goose.

The image of Fabio's bloodied face captured by Virginian-Pilot photographer Steve Earley landed on the front pages of newspapers across the country. Fabio's agent fielded hundreds of calls for an interview with the bloodied model.

And Busch Gardens probably got a little more publicity for their new ride thanks to that goose.