GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (KDVR) — The Garfield County Coroner’s Office says a 6-year-old girl died on the Haunted Mine Drop Ride at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Sunday.
The coroner’s office said it happened around 7:44 p.m. Glenwood Caverns employees started first aid until paramedics with the Glenwood Springs Fire Department arrived, but at that point, it was too late to save the girl’s life.
The coroner’s office identified the victim as a 6-year-old girl from Colorado Springs. The child was vacationing in Glenwood Springs with her family, according to the coroner’s office. The child’s identity is being withheld to give the family time to notify additional family members.
How the child died is not clear. An investigation is underway into the circumstances that led to her death.
The coroner’s office said an autopsy is scheduled with the coroner’s office forensic pathologist for this week.
Haunted Mine Drop riders complained of insecure restraints
The ride plunges riders up to 110 feet into a mountain mine shaft at breathtaking speed. Many people complain the current restraint system is not safe.
The park was full of people enjoying Labor Day weekend when the fatal incident happened. The mine drop was the last ride of the day for Victoria Gallegos of Byers.
“When we were on it, it didn’t feel secure. It didn’t feel safe. It just has seatbelt buckles that strap you into the ride. It seemed extremely terrifying to me … It feels like you are going to come out of the seat. It felt very unsecure,” Gallegos said.
Park visitor Sarah Hilverting echoed those feelings.
“I noticed it was really loose on my side, like I tried to tighten it on my own and it would not tighten. I was coming out of the seat more than I should have, and I was pushing down on the lap bar to keep myself from flying out of the ride,” Hilverting said.
Dianna Jerome said she was at the park when the incident happened.
“We were just waiting in line. We saw first responders coming up the hill, go to some part of the park. We didn’t know exactly where they were headed,” Jerome said.
How Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is responding
In a statement, the park said:
“On the evening of September 5th a fatality occurred at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. An investigation is ongoing. We are deeply saddened and ask that you please keep the family of the deceased in your thoughts and prayers. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will be closed Monday, September 6 and Tuesday, September 7.”
In an updated statement, the park said:
For everyone at Glenwood Caverns, the safety and well-being of our guests, our team and our community is what’s most important. We are heartbroken to confirm that on the evening of September 5 there was a tragic accident on the Haunted Mine Drop. We are deeply saddened and ask that the family and all those impacted be remembered in your thoughts and prayers.
Out of respect for the family, the park will be closed September 6 and 7.
An investigation that will include state and local authorities, as well as independent engineering and ride inspection experts and our own maintenance team, is underway.
Guests seeking information regarding rescheduling their visit or refunds should email info@glenwoodcaverns.com
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park spokesperson