Montana Dad Dies After Falling from Faulty Chairlift at Local Ski Resort amid 65 MPH Winds

Mar. 15, 2025

A Montana dad has died after falling from a chairlift at a local ski resort.

The 37-year-old snowboarder was transported to a Billings hospital, where he died on Wednesday, March 12.

Red Lodge Mountain spokesperson Troy Hawks said the lift had a mechanical problem at the time of the incident, the AP reported.

Representatives for the resort and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

Jeffrey was “a devoted husband” to his wife Meghan and the father of a 2-year-old son, according to aGoFundMe campaignfor the snowboarder’s family.

Esther Jensen, who organized the online fundraiser, said Jeffrey “spent his final moments donating his precious organs."

“This unexpected loss has left his family, friends, and all who knew him heartbroken and in disbelief,” Jensen wrote on GoFundMe.

Jeffrey Zinne and his family.GoFundMe

GoFundMe

Officials with Red Lodge Mountain said Jeffrey was on what is known as a Triple Chair, which was stopped after the accident, according to the AP andNews-Journal.

Winds in the area were around 65 mph the day of the accident, said Spencer Weimar, the resort’s acting interim manager.

Jeffrey Zinne and his 2-year-old son.GoFundMe

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In astatement, resort officials said the Triple Chair was temporarily closed for an investigation into the incident and would “reopen only when we can ensure the continued safe operation of the lift.”

“We place a top priority on the safety of all of our lifts and lift operations, and perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual safety measures to better ensure the safe operation of our lifts,” they stated.

More than $23,000 was raised through the GoFundMe campaign for Jeffrey’s family in less than 48 hours.

Jensen described Jeffrey as a “kind-hearted” person who “touched everyone around him” and “always put others first.” She also said he had a “passion for life” and an “infectious” laugh.

In addition to sharing a son, Jeffrey and Meghan ownedMontana Air Cartage, a Billings-based shipping service.

In a statement shared through the online fundraiser, Meghan thanked everyone who has shown their support since her husband’s sudden death.

“The outpouring love and support that we’ve received is astonishing,” she said. “Jeff was so loved.”

source: people.com