Woman Seriously Injured on Colorado Roller Coaster

A 60-year-old Texas woman, Nicki Parker, suffered severe injuries after an incident on a roller coaster in Colorado. She experienced a broken rib, collapsed lung, traumatic brain injury, and a dislocated shoulder that required surgery. Reports and her legal representation claim she was ejected from her seat and dragged along the track.

According to FOX 31 Denver, Parker remained strapped in her seat when the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort continued running. Her attorney, Trent Ongert from Bloch Ongert Injury Law, explained she was wrapped in the seatbelt and dragged for 20 to 30 seconds along the track.

“It was wrapped around her and pulled her, and she was dragged along the track,” Ongert stated.

Parker’s husband, who was riding behind her, attempted to assist. “She was lying on the track,” Ongert noted. “He had to get her out because there was no one else to help.” The couple was approximately 15 to 20 feet above the ground when the incident occurred. Parker remains hospitalized.

The ride features a warning that the “cart will stop and beep” if a seatbelt is disconnected.

Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety is looking into the incident. They confirmed the ongoing investigation and noted that the Rocky Mountain Coaster is currently closed. The manufacturer has been asked to publish a safety bulletin and share it with all operators involved.

A similar ride at the Purgatory Resort is also shut pending the investigation’s outcome. Relevant documentation will remain confidential until the investigation concludes.

The coaster, highlighted as the “2nd longest alpine coaster in North America,” extends 5,800 feet. The ride remains closed according to its website. The resort expressed its concern, wishing the injured guest a speedy recovery in a press release.

Fox News Digital has contacted the relevant parties for further comments.