Texas Woman Hospitalized After Being Ejected and Dragged on Colorado Roller Coaster

A Texas woman remains hospitalized with severe injuries sustained during an incident on the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado on August 17, 2026. The 60-year-old, identified as Nicki Parker, allegedly was ejected from her seat and dragged along the track for 20 to 30 seconds while still strapped in by her seat belt, according to her attorney and local media reports.

Parker sustained a broken rib, collapsed lung, traumatic brain injury and a dislocated shoulder requiring surgical intervention as a result of the incident. Her husband, who was riding directly behind her, attempted to assist by removing her from the track after she came to rest, as no ride operators were immediately accessible to help, according to attorney Trent Ongert of Bloch Ongert Injury Law.

The ride’s posted safety signage indicates that the cart would stop and emit an alert if a seat belt became disconnected. Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety has launched an investigation into the malfunction and directed the manufacturer to issue a safety bulletin to all operators of similar equipment.

The Rocky Mountain Coaster, which measures 5,800 feet in length and markets itself as the second-longest alpine coaster in North America, remains closed pending completion of the investigation. A comparable ride at Purgatory Resort has also been shuttered as a precautionary measure while authorities examine the incident.

Copper Mountain Resort released a statement expressing sympathy for the injured guest and wishing her a full recovery. The investigation’s findings will remain confidential until authorities complete their review.