Woman Killed in Fall at Fort Collins Indoor Climbing Gym

An afternoon at a climbing gym in Fort Collins recently turned fatal when a woman fell some 40 feet to her death.

The unidentified woman fell after becoming unattached from her auto belay while climbing at Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness, according to KDVR. Investigators did not find any faulty or defective equipment, the news outlet reports. 

Belaying is the system that climbers use to secure them from falling and to repel slowly. It can be done through an automatic system or with human assistance. 

Ascent released a statement days after the accident, calling the fall a “tragic event” and expressing sympathy for the climber’s friends and family. The climbing gym said the auto belay systems will not be used at least until a full investigation is completed.

“There was no apparent equipment failure, but out of an abundance of caution we decided to take our auto belays out of service at least until a full investigation is completed,” the studio said in a statement on its Facebook page. “We do not know how long that will take but will update with new information as it becomes available.”

Fort Collins Accident Law and Assumption of Risk

Anyone injured in an accident in Colorado, which includes those in Fort Collins, can seek compensation for medical bills, missed wages and other financial consequences from those responsible. In the tragic situation that a person dies in an accident, his or her loved ones can seek similar compensation for wrongful death.

These cases are typically based on claims of negligence, a legal theory that holds a person or entity liable for failing to live up to a particular standard of care. 

Property owners, including gym, retail and other businesses, are required to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn people of dangers that the owner knows about or should know about. An owner that does not meet this responsibility is likely to be found negligent and responsible for any injuries that happen as a result.

On the other hand, people who participate in certain inherently dangerous activities, like rock climbing or skiing, may be found to have “assumed the risk” in certain situations. It is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.

Speak with a Fort Collins Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Fort Collins, our personal injury lawyers in Fort Collins can help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation. Our lawyers are pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Fort Collins accident lawyer.