SAN DIEGO -- An elderly man died after falling off a mule at the Wild Animal Park in Escondido, 10News reported.

The incident happened last Thursday as 89-year-old Maximino Carapia was preparing for a two-hour mule ride through remote sections of the park.

The attraction is called the Wilderness Ridge Mule Ride, and Carapia signed a waiver that indicated knowledge that personal injury or death was possible.

10News' Steve Fiorina reported that the waiver was in place for the attraction due to unstable terrain, rider error, actions of the mules or other guests or vehicles.

Sources told Fiorina that Carapia fell from the mule during the first moments of his ride. He complained of pain and was taken to Palomar Medical Center.

Carapia died at the hospital on Aug. 24, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner.

The medical examiner ruled Carapia's death an accident, due to complications of blunt force trauma to the chest. Carapia also suffered from several prior severe medical conditions.

Carapia's family is grieving and did not want to issue any statements Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Wilderness Ridge Mule Ride continues to operate as normal.