Woman falls to her death in Go Ape zip line accident

KIRKWOOD, DELAWARE — A woman fell to her death in a zip line accident at the Go Ape "Treetop Adventure" early Wednesday afternoon.

What was supposed to be a fun outing turned tragic at Go Ape adventure attraction inside Lums Pond State Park.

Delaware State police say a 59-year-old woman fell 40 feet from a zip line around 2:30 pm Wednesday.

Paramedics transported her to Christiana Hospital, where she died.

Go Ape immediately shut down and investigators spent the afternoon collecting evidence to determine what went wrong.  People who've gone through the treetop obstacle course in the past say the safety procedures are thorough, but you really have to pay attention during the training.

"The staff basically takes you through how to hook up to the wires as you're going through all the obstacles, but after you get up there, it's kind of up to you to make sure you're hooked up safe," says John Lunsford.

Go Ape director Chris Swallow declined an on-camera interview, but e-mailed a statement which reads in part:

"The Go Ape team is 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."

Go Ape runs 15 courses nationwide, including the one in Pittsburgh at North Park.

Cox Media Group