Tragic Accident at Red Lodge Mountain: Snowboarder Dies After Fall from Chair Lift
Red Lodge, Montana – A 37-year-old snowboarder, identified as Jeffrey Zinne, tragically died on Monday after falling from a chair lift at Red Lodge Mountain, a popular ski resort in southern Montana. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and raising questions about safety measures at the resort.
The news of Zinne’s death was initially announced in a somber Facebook post by Red Lodge Mountain on Tuesday morning. The resort expressed its condolences, stating, "Yesterday was an unfortunate day at Red Lodge Mountain as a guest was injured as the result of a chair lift incident." The post confirmed that the incident occurred on the Triple Chair lift and extended thoughts and prayers to Zinne’s family, friends, and all those affected by the tragedy.
Authorities have confirmed Zinne’s identity and are actively investigating the circumstances leading to his fatal fall. Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan stated that the accident remains under investigation, and the coroner’s office reported the cause of death as accidental blunt force injury.
Zinne was immediately life-flighted to a hospital in Billings, Montana, where he succumbed to his injuries early Wednesday morning, according to KTVQ reports. The news of his passing has left his loved ones and the wider community reeling from the sudden and unexpected loss.
In the wake of the accident, Red Lodge Mountain has temporarily shut down the Triple Chair lift. The resort emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, "(The Triple Chair) will reopen only when we can ensure the continued safe operation of the lift." The company’s statement also highlighted that safety is a "top priority" and that the resort has implemented daily, weekly, monthly, and annual safety measures to ensure the well-being of its guests.
The resort has not yet released further details about the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, citing the ongoing investigation. Both the coroner’s office and Red Lodge Mountain have not immediately responded to requests for comment, further fueling speculation and concern among the public.
Weather conditions may have played a role in the accident. Peter Matos, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Billings, reported that while the agency does not have a weather observation site directly at Red Lodge Mountain, nearby sites recorded strong wind gusts on Monday. The Timbercrest site, in particular, registered wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour around 11:15 a.m. and 52 miles per hour around 12:15 p.m., both coming from the west.
Matos noted that Zinne’s fall reportedly occurred around noon, coinciding with the period of strong wind gusts. He also pointed out that Red Lodge is known for experiencing strong downslope winds from the southwest and that the entire area was experiencing windy conditions on the day of the accident.
Past incidents also indicate that Red Lodge Mountain has faced challenges with strong winds in the past. A review of the resort’s Facebook page reveals instances where facility managers have shut down lifts due to high winds. For example, a January 2021 post mentions that "Due to winds of 49+MPH at the top of Triple Chair, all lifts are currently on hold." These past incidents raise questions about the frequency and severity of wind-related safety concerns at the resort.
The tragic loss of Jeffrey Zinne has prompted an outpouring of support for his family. Esther Jensen, a close friend and family member, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Zinne’s widow, Meghan, and their 2-year-old son cope with the financial burdens associated with his death.
In the GoFundMe description, Jensen described Zinne’s death as a "tragic accident," stating, "This unexpected loss has left his family, friends, and all who knew him heartbroken and in disbelief." Jensen highlighted Zinne’s devotion to his family, his infectious laughter, and his kind-hearted nature, noting that he was a man who always put others before himself.
Zinne was also the president of Montana Air Cartage, a local shipping services company that has been in business since the late 1980s. He was deeply involved in the community and well-respected by his colleagues and peers.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to provide financial stability for Zinne’s family during this difficult time. "Your contribution will make a significant difference in providing financial stability for Jeff’s family," Jensen wrote. "All funds raised will go directly to his wife and son to help with funeral costs and medical expenses."
The fundraiser concludes with a touching message from the couple’s toddler son: "Love you, Dada Guy." This poignant note underscores the immense grief and loss that Zinne’s family is experiencing and serves as a reminder of the human impact of this tragic accident.
The death of Jeffrey Zinne is a devastating loss for his family, friends, and the Red Lodge community. As the investigation into the incident continues, questions remain about the factors that contributed to his fall and the safety measures in place at Red Lodge Mountain. The resort’s commitment to safety will be scrutinized, and its response to this tragedy will be closely watched by the public and the ski industry as a whole.
