On the morning of March 10, 2025, 37-year-old Jeffrey Zinne, a dedicated husband and father from Billings, Montana, tragically fell to his death after an incident on the three-person chairlift at Red Lodge Mountain Resort. The accident occurred amid 65 mph wind gusts, raising significant concerns regarding the safety of the chairlift and the resort’s operational protocols. The fall, which happened shortly after Zinne was riding the lift alone, has prompted an investigation into the lift’s mechanical failure and its operation in dangerous weather conditions.

Jeffrey Zinne had been snowboarding that morning when he boarded the lift, but his life was cut short after he fell from an unspecified height, resulting in injuries that led to his death in a Billings hospital early on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Zinne’s family, particularly his wife Meghan and their 2-year-old son, are devastated by the loss of a man described as kind-hearted, full of life, and deeply devoted to his family. In the wake of this tragedy, questions are being raised about the lift’s safety features, the responsibility of the resort for operating faulty equipment, and whether the risks posed by extreme weather should have led to the closure of the lift.

The Incident at Red Lodge Mountain Resort

The tragic incident took place on the Triple Chairlift at Red Lodge Mountain Resort, which operates in the Beartooth Mountains southeast of Billings. According to Troy Hawks, a spokesperson for the resort, the accident occurred just before noon. At the time, Zinne was the sole occupant of a chair on the lift. The lift had experienced a mechanical failure just before Zinne fell, but the details of the malfunction remain unclear. While the lift was stopped after the incident, no official explanation has been provided for why it was operating with faulty equipment in such dangerous conditions.

Upon receiving reports of the fall, emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and found Zinne in critical condition. He was immediately transported to a hospital in Billings, where, despite medical efforts, he was declared dead on March 12. Zinne’s family has expressed their grief publicly, with Meghan Zinne urging people to honor her husband’s memory by spending time with their loved ones and doing things he loved, like visiting Nye, which was his favorite spot.

The crash left the local community in shock, as Zinne was a beloved figure, described as a man who lived life to the fullest. His family has also expressed their shock and disbelief that such a seemingly preventable accident took place.

The Role of Weather and Mechanical Failure

As investigators probe into the causes of the accident, the extreme weather conditions at the time are a key factor. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts in the area were recorded at 65 mph on the morning of the incident. This is notably hazardous for any outdoor activities, especially when it comes to operating ski lifts. Yet, despite the gusts and the risk they posed, the lift continued to operate until the moment of the crash.

At the time of Zinne’s fall, the Triple Chairlift, which was built in 1983 and stretches almost a mile, had reportedly experienced a mechanical malfunction. However, the exact nature of the malfunction and the reason it led to Zinne’s fall remains under investigation. Zinne was unrestrained in his seat when the fall occurred, which raises questions about the design and safety features of the chairlift. The fact that the chairlift had no seat belts or safety bars, despite being operated 100 feet above the ground, further compounds the risk involved. This has led to calls for a reevaluation of safety measures and possibly more stringent regulations for ski lifts.

Regulation and Safety Measures

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has long tracked lift-related accidents. According to their data, between 1956 and 2024, there were 35 fatalities linked to chairlifts and aerial ropeways, with 16 of these deaths attributed to mechanical malfunctions. The most recent of these deaths was in 2020 at Colorado’s Vail Resort, where a man’s clothing became entangled in a chairlift, leading to suffocation. However, while fatalities are rare, this tragic event highlights the ongoing risks of mechanical failure, operator error, and poor maintenance.

At Red Lodge Mountain Resort, staff perform daily inspections of the lifts, and the resort’s insurance carrier requires annual inspections by a professional. However, there is no single governing body in Montana that enforces a uniform standard for ski lift operation and safety across resorts. This lack of oversight has led to calls for stricter regulations and more rigorous enforcement, particularly when dangerous weather conditions make it unsafe to operate lifts.

In light of the fatal incident, it’s possible that this tragedy could prompt regulatory change in the state, with more standardized safety measures and better monitoring of lift operations, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather. Given the heightened attention to safety after Zinne’s death, the investigation into this case could have far-reaching implications for ski resort management practices and public safety across the state.

Family and Community Response

The sudden loss of Jeffrey Zinne has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the local community. As a devoted father and husband, Zinne was described by his family as a man who was full of joy and always the life of the party. Meghan Zinne, in her public statements, urged those who knew her husband to honor his memory by doing what he loved, whether that be spending time in the mountains or simply cherishing their loved ones.

The community of Billings, Montana, a place known for its close-knit atmosphere, is also reeling from the death of a man who was seen as a bright light in their community. The news has sent shockwaves through the local snowboarding and skiing circles, where Zinne was well-liked and known for his positive attitude. His death raises questions not only about safety at Red Lodge Mountain Resort but also about the responsibility that ski resorts have in ensuring the safety of their visitors.

Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover funeral and burial expenses and to support Zinne’s wife and child in the wake of this sudden loss. By late Thursday, the campaign had raised almost $30,000, a testament to how deeply Zinne touched the lives of those around him.

Ski Resort’s Safety Record and Responsibilities

Red Lodge Mountain Resort, like many ski resorts, is reliant on a combination of daily maintenance checks and annual professional inspections to ensure the safety of its lifts and operations. While resort management has stated that their lifts are inspected regularly, the tragic incident underscores the potential gaps in lift safety that can exist in the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework.

The resort’s management has emphasized that the Triple Chairlift was operating within safety parameters on the day of the accident and that it will remain shut down for further inspection. Still, this raises the question of whether the resort should have paused operations altogether given the hazardous weather conditions.

It is important to consider how ski resorts balance business interests with safety concerns. On one hand, the resort is in the business of offering recreational services, and weather conditions may not always dictate pausing operations, especially if they are already underway. On the other hand, the tragic death of a snowboarder is a stark reminder that safety must always come first, and ski resorts have a responsibility to take every possible measure to protect their customers.

A Broader Look at Ski Resort Safety Protocols

This incident also highlights the broader issue of ski resort safety, particularly concerning older equipment. While the Triple Chairlift has been in operation since 1983, questions about the long-term safety of aging infrastructure are being raised. The mechanical issues reported before the accident, as well as the lack of protective restraints on the lift, add to the growing concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in place at ski resorts.

While modern ski lifts often include advanced safety systems, such as automatic braking mechanisms, the lack of regulations governing the minimum safety standards for ski lifts across all resorts may contribute to preventable accidents. The tragedy at Red Lodge Mountain Resort may prompt a reevaluation of safety standards for ski lifts not only in Montana but across the country.

The Legal and Ethical Implications

The tragic death of Jeffrey Zinne raises important questions about the legal responsibility of ski resorts in ensuring the safety of their patrons. While accidents can and do happen in recreational sports, the circumstances surrounding this incident—particularly the mechanical failure of the lift, the extreme weather conditions, and the lack of protective restraints—suggest that negligence may have played a role in Zinne’s death.

It is still unclear whether Zinne’s family will seek legal action for damages as a result of the faulty lift, but it is possible that a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed against the resort. The outcome of any legal proceedings will likely set a precedent for future cases involving accidents at ski resorts and may push for stricter regulations on lift safety and maintenance.

Looking Ahead: What Can Be Done to Prevent Future Accidents?

The tragic death of Jeffrey Zinne should serve as a wake-up call for ski resorts across the country. As ski lifts continue to be an integral part of the skiing and snowboarding experience, ensuring their safety should be paramount. This accident calls for a reevaluation of ski resort policies on lift operations, especially during adverse weather conditions, and the implementation of stronger safety measures to protect customers.

Moving forward, it is critical that ski resorts adopt more comprehensive safety protocols, including better maintenance practices, advanced safety equipment, and more rigorous inspections. Furthermore, regulatory bodies should consider implementing stricter rules for the operation of ski lifts, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Only through concerted effort and attention to safety can we prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future.

As the investigation continues, the community, family, and friends of Jeffrey Zinne will remember him not just for his tragic death but for the positive impact he had on the lives of those around him.