A man fell to his death from a dysfunctional chairlift at a Montana ski resort Monday, officials said.
Jeffrey Zinne, 37, died after falling from the three-person chair just before noon Monday at a ski area in the Beartooth Mountains southeast of Billings.
Following the tragic incident, the lift that was carrying more than 100 people at the time, was stopped and riders were evacuated by ski patrollers using ropes.
Red Lodge Mountain Spokesperson Troy Hawks said the lift was operating within safety parameters when it had a mechanical issue but declined to provide further details citing an ongoing investigation.
The victim was a married father of a 2-year-old son. He was reportedly snowboarding before the fatal accident.
“He was more than just a boss for many people here. He was a friend, a mentor,” Montana Air Cartage manager Jessice Sande said.
