Investigation Into Dangerous Roller Coaster Incident at Copper Mountain Resort

A woman named Nicki Parker, aged 60 from Texas, suffered severe injuries after an incident on a Colorado roller coaster. Reports indicate that she incurred a broken rib, collapsed lung, traumatic brain injury, and a dislocated shoulder requiring surgery. The accident occurred when she was allegedly ejected from her seat and dragged while strapped into the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort, according to her law firm and news sources.

Fox 31 Denver reported, citing her attorney Trent Ongert, that Parker was thrown and dragged for 20 to 30 seconds, with the seat belt still around her. As the coaster continued on the track, her husband attempted to assist, riding behind her. Ongert explained that Parker was lying on the track, about 15 to 20 feet above ground level, and her husband managed to get her to safety since no staff members were present to assist.

Currently, Parker remains hospitalized. A sign along the ride indicates that carts on the coaster will stop and beep if a seat belt becomes disconnected. The Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety is investigating the incident. They confirmed that the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain’s resort is closed as the probe continues. Additionally, the manufacturer has been asked to release a safety bulletin for operators.

A similar ride at Purgatory Resort is also shut pending investigation results. Relevant documentation will remain unavailable until the inquiry concludes. The Rocky Mountain Coaster, known as the second longest alpine coaster in North America with a track length of 5,800 feet, will remain closed, according to the resort’s website.

Copper Mountain Resort expressed condolences and hopes for a swift recovery for Nicki Parker in a local press release. Fox News Digital reached out to the involved parties for further comments.