A devastating accident at Red Lodge Mountain ski resort in Montana has claimed the life of 37-year-old Jeff Zinne, a father and husband.
On Monday, March 10, Zinne had been snowboarding alone on a three-person chairlift when a mechanical malfunction caused him to plummet from an unspecified height. The tragic fall occurred around midday, prompting immediate emergency response. He was airlifted to a hospital in Billings, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Officials, including County Sheriff Josh McQuillan and resort spokesperson Troy Hawks, have since confirmed Zinne’s passing. Hawks acknowledged that a mechanical failure happened around the time of the incident but declined to provide further details. He stated that the resort is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including weather conditions and Zinne’s actions leading up to the fall.
At the time of the malfunction, over 100 other skiers and snowboarders were stranded on the lift and had to be safely evacuated by ski patrol. Reports indicate that severe weather, including wind gusts reaching 50 mph (80.4 kph), had forced the temporary closure of several other chairlifts that day.
The chairlift in question, originally built in 1983, will remain shut down until engineers can thoroughly inspect and assess its condition.
In the wake of this unexpected tragedy, Zinne’s grieving family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his wife, Meghan, and their two-year-old son. The fundraiser describes him as a “devoted husband” and “caring father”, with all proceeds going toward funeral costs and medical expenses.
Expressing her gratitude, Meghan shared an emotional message on the campaign page, stating:
“The outpouring love and support we’ve received is astonishing. Jeff was so loved. Please know I am seeing your comments and texts. I cannot respond to everyone, but it is so appreciated. Thank you to all who have joined our meal train, donated to the GoFundMe, and sent flowers.”
Fatal ski lift accidents remain rare, with Skimag reporting only 14 deaths due to mechanical failures in the U.S. between 1973 and 2020. The most recent ski lift accident in Europe occurred in Spain this past January, where a chairlift collapse left two women in intensive care.
LADbible has reached out to Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort for further comment.
