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Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Closes After Child Dies On Thrill Ride

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - A child died Sunday on the Haunted Mine Drop ride at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the park stated in a press release.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday morning that the deceased is a child. The Garfield County Coroner's Office says the child is a 6-year-old girl from Colorado Springs.

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(credit: CBS)

The office says the child was visiting Glenwood Springs with her family.

The park announced it is closed Monday and Tuesday following the incident.

10:26 P.M. - An incident occurred this evening, September 5, at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on the Haunted Mine Drop...

Posted by Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on Sunday, September 5, 2021

The park posted on its Facebook page at 10:26 p.m. Sunday and stated the accident happened earlier in the evening.

UPDATE: First Responder Audio Reveals First Moments After Girl's Death At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park On Haunted Mine Drop Ride

Walt Stowe, a spokesman for the Garfield County Sheriff's Office, said Monday morning his agency is investigating the accident. He would not elaborate on other details.

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The Canyon Swing at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. (credit: CBS)

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment tells CBS4 they will send an inspector to the park on Tuesday to investigate. The inspector works under the Amusement Rides and Devices Program in the Division of Oil & Public Safety.

The park's general manager, Nancy Heard, released the following statement to CBS4 on Monday:

On the evening of September 5th a fatality occurred at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. An investigation is ongoing. We are deeply saddened and ask that you please keep the family of the deceased in your thoughts and prayers. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will be closed Monday, September 6 and Tuesday, September 7.

The Haunted Mine Drop allows seated customers to experience a simulated free-fall, according to the park's website. The ride has a 46 inch minimum height requirement.

The attraction is one of several thrill rides offered atop Iron Mountain at the growing amusement park.

glenwood caverns adventure park
(credit: CBS)

Last month, the park publicized plans for the construction of a new rollercoaster.

 

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