A 60-year-old Texas woman sustained serious injuries, including a broken rib, collapsed lung, and a traumatic brain injury, after she was ejected from a roller coaster and dragged along the track at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado.
The incident occurred on the Rocky Mountain Coaster on Monday, August 17, 2026. According to reports and her attorney, Nicki Parker was thrown from her seat but remained strapped in by her seatbelt as the ride continued, dragging her for an estimated 20 to 30 seconds.
Trent Ongert, an attorney representing Parker, told Fox 31 Denver that the seatbelt wrapped around her and pulled her along the track. Parker's husband, who was on the ride behind her, had to help her down from the 15 to 20-foot height because no assistance was immediately available.
Parker remains hospitalized, Ongert confirmed.
The Rocky Mountain Coaster is described as the second-longest alpine coaster in North America, measuring 5,800 feet.
Colorado's Division of Oil and Public Safety's Amusement Rides and Devices Program is investigating the incident. The agency confirmed the investigation and stated that the Rocky Mountain Coaster is currently closed. The manufacturer has been instructed to issue a safety bulletin to all impacted operators. A similar ride at Purgatory Resort has also been closed pending the investigation's outcome.
According to a sign posted on the ride, the cart is supposed to stop and beep if a seatbelt becomes disconnected. Documentation related to the incident will not be released until the investigation is complete.
The resort issued a statement expressing its thoughts are with the injured guest and wishing her a speedy recovery. The Rocky Mountain Coaster's website indicates the ride remains closed.