A 60-year-old woman has been hospitalized with a broken rib, collapsed lung, traumatic brain injury, and a dislocated shoulder requiring surgery after she was allegedly ejected from her seat on the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado. The incident occurred on Monday, August 17, 2026, when the rider, Nicki Parker of Texas, was reportedly dragged along the track for 20 to 30 seconds.
According to Trent Ongert, an attorney with Bloch Ongert Injury Law representing Parker, the seatbelt remained attached during the dragging. "It was actually wrapped around her and pulled her and she was dragged along the track as it went down," Ongert told FOX 31 Denver. Parker's husband, who was riding behind her, attempted to assist her after she was found on the track approximately 15 to 20 feet off the ground.
The Rocky Mountain Coaster, described as the second-longest alpine coaster in North America, is currently closed as Colorado's Division of Oil and Public Safety's Amusement Rides and Devices Program investigates the incident. The agency confirmed its investigation and stated that the manufacturer has been directed to issue a safety bulletin to all impacted operators.
A similar ride at Purgatory Resort has also been closed pending the investigation's outcome. The resort issued a press release stating, "Our thoughts are with the guest, and we wish them a speedy recovery."
A sign along the ride indicates that the cart will stop and beep if the seat belt is disconnected. Documentation related to the incident will not be released until the investigation is complete.