A 60-year-old woman from Texas experienced severe injuries on a roller coaster at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado. According to reports and her legal representatives, the woman, Nicki Parker, sustained a broken rib, collapsed lung, traumatic brain injury, and required shoulder surgery after allegedly being ejected and dragged by the ride.
Her attorney, Trent Ongert from Bloch Ongert Injury Law, noted that Parker was thrown from her seat while strapped into her seat belt. She was dragged for approximately 20 to 30 seconds as the Rocky Mountain Coaster continued moving.
“It was actually wrapped around her and pulled her, and she was dragged along the track as it went down,” Ongert explained to FOX 31 Denver.
Parker’s husband, who was riding behind her, attempted to assist her.
“She was lying on the track. He then had to get her out because there was nobody, no way to get to her,” Ongert said. “They’re about 15 to 20 feet off the ground.”
Parker is currently hospitalized, according to her attorney. A sign posted along the ride instructions mentions the “cart will stop and beep” if the seat belt is disconnected, raising questions about the incident.
The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety is investigating the incident as part of the Amusement Rides and Devices Program.
“We can confirm our Division of Oil & Public Safety is investigating an incident that happened on Copper Mountain’s Rocky Mountain Coaster on Monday, August 17, 2026,” the agency informed Fox News Digital.
The Rocky Mountain Coaster, known as the “2nd longest alpine coaster in North America,” remains closed. A similar ride at Purgatory Resort is also closed pending investigation results. The agency has instructed the ride manufacturer to release a safety bulletin to impacted operators.
Documentation regarding the incident will remain confidential until the investigation concludes. Copper Mountain Resort expressed concern for the injured guest, wishing her a swift recovery in a press release.
Fox News Digital is seeking comments from the involved parties and attorney Trent Ongert. Brie Stimson, covering this story, writes about entertainment and breaking news for Fox News Digital.
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