Colorado Roller Coaster Incident: Woman Ejected and Dragged, Prompts Safety Investigations
A 60-year-old woman from Texas sustained severe injuries, including a broken rib, collapsed lung, traumatic brain injury, and dislocated shoulder that required surgery, after being ejected from her seat on a Colorado roller coaster and dragged for 20 to 30 seconds. The incident occurred at the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort, where the woman, Nicki Parker, remained strapped into her seat belt as the coaster continued moving.
According to her attorney, Trent Ongert of the Bloch Ongert Injury Law, Parker was wrapped around the seat belt and dragged along the track as the coaster descended. Her husband, who was riding behind her, tried to assist her after she was left lying on the track, approximately 15 to 20 feet above the ground. Parker is currently hospitalized due to the injuries sustained during the incident.
The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety's Amusement Rides and Devices Program is investigating the incident that occurred on the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort on August 17, 2026. The agency confirmed that one rider was injured, prompting the closure of the coaster while the investigation is ongoing. The manufacturer has been instructed to issue a safety bulletin to all affected operators, and a similar ride at Purgatory Resort is also closed pending the investigation's outcome.
The Rocky Mountain Coaster, boasting a length of 5,800 feet and claiming to be the second-longest alpine coaster in North America, remains closed following the incident. The resort expressed its concern for the injured guest and wished them a speedy recovery in a press release to local media outlets. Fox News Digital has reached out to the agency, the resort, and Ongert for further comments on the matter.
In conclusion, the incident involving the ejection and dragging of a woman on the Colorado roller coaster has raised safety concerns and prompted investigations by regulatory authorities. The closure of the coaster and the ongoing investigation aim to ensure the safety of riders and prevent similar incidents in the future.