A tragic incident occurred at Red Lodge Mountain in Montana when Jeff Zinne, a 37-year-old father, fell from a chairlift due to a mechanical malfunction while snowboarding. Zinne was riding alone on the lift when the malfunction occurred, causing him to plummet to the ground below. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind his devastated wife, Meghan, and their 2-year-old son.
The accident occurred on a day with gusty winds of up to 50 mph, causing some lift lines to be closed. The exact circumstances of Zinne’s fall and the severity of his injuries remain unclear. The resort is conducting an investigation into the incident and the malfunction that led to the tragic event. Following the accident, over 100 people were stranded on the lift and had to be evacuated one-by-one by ski patrol units using a rope system.
The Triple Chairlift where the incident occurred had been in operation since 1983 and had passed daily safety inspections. However, the lift will remain closed until a thorough assessment of the issue is conducted. Zinne, described as a man with a passion for life and a kind-hearted nature that touched everyone around him, was known for putting others first and bringing joy to those fortunate enough to know him. A GoFundMe page was set up to support his family in the wake of the tragedy.
Fatal accidents on ski lifts are rare occurrences, with only 35 incidents reported from 1956 to 2024, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Mechanical issues were responsible for 16 of these fatalities. Prior to Zinne’s tragic fall, the most recent lift-related death happened in 2020 at Vail resort in Colorado, where a man was asphyxiated by his clothing getting caught in the lift. The community is devastated by the loss of Zinne, whose impact on those around him was deeply felt.
The sudden and tragic death of Jeff Zinne has left his family, friends, and the community in shock. His wife, Meghan, and their young son are now left to navigate life without him. The investigation into the mechanical malfunction that led to his fall continues, as the resort works to ensure the safety of their lifts for future visitors. The outpouring of support for Zinne’s family through the GoFundMe page reflects the impact he had on those around him and the loss that is felt by all who knew him. As the community mourns the loss of a beloved husband, father, and friend, the hope is that this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in outdoor recreational activities.
