Man falls 100 feet to his death on zipline after sacrificing himself to save woman, friend says
‘We are saddened and heartbroken over the recent tragic accident involving one of our employees,’ zipline operator says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A California zipline employee fell 100 feet to his death after sacrificing himself to save a stranded woman stuck on the zipline as he worried they might both fall under their combined weight.
The incident took place on Saturday at the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline on the La Jolla Indian Reservation in the Pauma Valley in southern California, between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Joaquin Romero was helping a woman on the platform get hooked into the gear when she slid onto the line. Mr Romero, 34, reportedly grabbed onto the harness to stop her from going further but was dragged away.
Fox 8 reported that they were hanging around 100 feet over the ground. An unidentified friend who recounted the incident said Mr Romero decided to let go instead of risking that they both fall. The zipline can hold 250 pounds (113 kg) at most and has a minimum weight requirement of 65 pounds (29 kg).
Mr Romero was severely injured after the fall. He was rescued by Cal Fire, using a low-angle rope system to pull him to the side of the road. After being airlifted to Sharp Memorial Hospital, he died on Monday morning. The woman reportedly suffered no injuries.
Normal Contreras, the tribal chairwoman of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, told KSWB: “We are saddened and heartbroken over the recent tragic accident involving one of our employees at the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline.
“The Tribe, Tribal officials, employees and Tribal members extend our sincere condolences to our employee and his family for their loss. Like any employer, we pride ourselves on having a safe working environment and a safe and enjoyable experience for our customers.
“Given the circumstances of the accident, the Tribe is conducting an in-depth and comprehensive investigation, in coordination and cooperation with federal and state authorities. Until this investigation is completed, we won’t be able to provide any further comment on this incident. We ask that you join us in keeping our employee and his family in our prayers.”
La Jolla has three ziplines between 300 and 2,700 feet long, which can reach a top speed of 55 miles an hour. The tribe’s campground opened in 1930 and the zipline opened in September 2015.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments