Police Identify Woman Who Died on Zip Line Platform in Delaware
Police say she fell from a platform while waiting to go on the zip line.
-- The 59-year-old woman who died after falling approximately 35 feet from the Go Ape Treetop Adventure attraction Wednesday has been identified as Tina Werner of Felton, Delaware, by Delaware State Police.
Authorities said Werner was standing on a platform, waiting to go on the zip line, when she fell to her death.
"Werner was standing on a platform located approximately 35' above the ground, waiting to descend on a zip line," the Delaware State Police said in a statement today. "It was at this point that she fell from the platform to the ground."
Foul play is not suspected, police said, although the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 p.m. Wednesday at the Go Ape Aerial Rope Adventure Course in the Lums Pond State Park, authorities said.
First aid was rendered to Werner by Go Ape employees and park rangers before she was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics, according to authorities. Werner was then transported to the Christiana Hospital were she was pronounced dead.
In a statement yesterday, Go Ape said it was "deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends and in particular to those who were on the course with her at the time," the statement continued.
Go Ape released a second statement today, saying that more than 6 million customers have completed Go Ape courses safely. The company said Werner had received the requisite training but had separated herself from the safety system before the fall.
"Having completed her training on how to remain attached to the safety system, the participant proceeded onto the course and progressed to the final platform of site 4, towards the end of the activity, where she fell from the platform to the ground. Participant witnesses have stated that at the time of the accident the participant had unfortunately disconnected herself from the safety system," Go Ape stated.