Montana Dad Dies in Chairlift Failure at Red Lodge Mountain Resort

A Montana father lost his life after a chairlift malfunction led to a fatal fall at Red Lodge Mountain. Jeffrey Zinne was snowboarding alone when the tragic incident occurred. The 37-year-old leaves behind a grieving wife and young son.

The accident took place on the Triple Chair lift known for its age and lack of safety bars. Zinne fell from an unspecified height during a mechanical failure. Authorities rushed him to a Billings hospital where he died from his injuries.

High winds battered the area that morning with gusts reaching 50 mph according to weather reports. Some lifts at Red Lodge Mountain shut down due to the conditions. The Triple Chair however remained operational until the incident forced its closure.

Over 100 skiers and snowboarders were stranded on the lift after it stopped. Ski patrollers used ropes to evacuate them safely to the ground. The resort closed for the day as officials began investigating the malfunction.

Zinne owned Montana Air Cartage and was remembered as a devoted husband and father. His 2-year-old son and wife Meghan now face an uncertain future without him. A GoFundMe page has raised funds to support the family in their loss.

Built in 1983 the Triple Chair spans over 5000 feet without modern safety features. Experts note fatal lift accidents remain rare with only 35 deaths since 1956. Mechanical issues accounted for 16 of those incidents per industry data.

Red Lodge Mountain insists safety is their top priority with regular inspections. The lift will stay closed until engineers fully assess its condition. Critics argue older equipment needs replacing to prevent such tragedies.

This incident marks a grim moment for Montana’s ski community still reeling from the loss. Zinne’s death highlights risks tied to aging infrastructure at resorts. Families and officials alike demand answers and accountability.