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A tragic incident unfolded at Red Lodge Mountain in Montana on Monday, March 10, 2025, when 37-year-old Jeffrey Neil Zinne from Billings fell from the Triple Chair lift, leading to his death and prompting an in-depth safety investigation.
Around 11:15 a.m., during high wind conditions with gusts reaching approximately 50 mph, Zinne fell from the Triple Chair lift. Ski patrol responded promptly, transporting him to the base area, after which he was airlifted to a hospital in Billings. Despite medical efforts, Zinne succumbed to his injuries early Wednesday morning.
The Triple Chair, constructed in 1983 by CTEC, spans over 5,000 feet and lacks restraint bars, a common feature in older lift models. Following the incident, the lift was halted, and over 100 individuals were evacuated using rope techniques by ski patrol. The lift will remain closed pending a comprehensive engineering assessment.
The investigation is examining multiple factors, including the mechanical condition of the lift, the high wind conditions at the time of the incident, and the actions of the victim. Notably, other chairlifts at the resort were on wind hold earlier that day due to similar wind gusts.
Fatal lift accidents are relatively rare. Between 1956 and 2024, there have been 35 recorded deaths involving chairlifts and aerial ropeways, with 16 attributed to mechanical malfunctions. Red Lodge Mountain conducts daily lift inspections, supplemented by annual professional assessments mandated by their insurance provider and the U.S. Forest Service. However, it’s noteworthy that Montana disbanded its Board of Passenger Tramway Safety in 1997, potentially impacting state-level oversight.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has rallied to support Zinne’s family. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his wife and 2-year-old son during this difficult time.
As investigations proceed, this incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance in ski resorts, especially concerning aging lift infrastructures operating under adverse weather conditions.
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