Full Breakdown
Colorado Coaster Ejection Leaves 60-Year-Old Woman with Life-Altering Injuries
8/29/2026, 6:05:15 AM
Core Incident
On August 17, 2026, a 60-year-old Texas woman identified as Nicola Parker (also reported as Nicki Parker) was ejected from a cart on the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado. Although her seat belt remained fastened, the cart continued down the track, dragging her for an estimated 20–30 seconds. She suffered a broken rib, a punctured lung, a traumatic brain injury, a dislocated shoulder and extensive lacerations, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing hospitalization.
Background & Context
The Rocky Mountain Coaster, operating since 2017, is marketed as the second-longest alpine coaster in North America. The steel-track ride spans 5,800 feet, drops 430 feet, and allows carts to reach up to 25 mph through 360-degree turns, dips and zig-zags. Riders control speed with a manual hand brake and must wear a seat belt. Signage states a cart will stop and emit a beep if a seat belt is unfastened.
Data & Statistics
- Ride length: 5,800 ft; vertical drop: 430 ft.
- Maximum speed: 25 mph; average downhill grade: 11 %.
- Injuries: broken rib, punctured lung, traumatic brain injury, dislocated shoulder, multiple deep cuts.
- Medical response: three surgeries performed (two for the lung, one for the shoulder); continued treatment as of the following week.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Colorado Division of Oil & Public Safety’s Amusement Rides & Devices Program confirmed it is investigating the incident.
- Copper Mountain noted that patrol arrived while Parker was still seated with her belt fastened, assisted her to the base area and transferred care to Summit Fire & EMS.
- Attorney Trent Ongert of Bloch Ongert Injury Law emphasized that the ride’s safety signage indicates a cart should stop if a belt is released, which did not happen.
- Attorney Joseph Bloch highlighted the severity of Parker’s injuries and the ongoing discovery of additional complications.
Criticism & Opposition
Parker’s legal team argues that the coaster’s safety mechanisms failed to protect a rider who complied with all instructions and kept her seat belt fastened throughout the ride. They contend that the ejection “should never have occurred” and that the ride’s design or operational procedures may be non-compliant with state safety regulations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of ejection: Attorneys assert the seat belt stayed fastened, while the exact mechanism that propelled Parker from the cart remains “unclear” according to the resort’s release.
- Signage vs. outcome: The posted warning about carts stopping when belts are released did not activate, creating a discrepancy between expected and actual behavior.
- Historical record: State officials report no prior incidents of this nature on the Rocky Mountain Coaster.
- Name variation: Sources refer to the victim as “Nicki Parker” and “Nicola Parker,” indicating inconsistent reporting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was actually wrapped around her and pulled her, and she was dragged along the track as it went down,” — Trent Ongert
- “Parker is just beginning her medical treatment caused by this incident, and her doctors continue to discover new injuries and complications that have required additional surgeries,” — Joseph Bloch
What’s Next
The investigation is expected to take one to two months. The Rocky Mountain Coaster and a similar ride at the Purgatory Resort remain closed pending the outcome. If the Division determines the operator violated regulations, it may issue a notice of violation that could include fines or an order to keep the ride shut until corrective actions are verified.
