Northern Colorado ice rink closed after deadly crash with an ice resurfacing machine

The Edora Pool Ice Center in Northern Colorado announced it will be closed for two days after an employee driving an ice resurfacing machine was killed in a collision.

According to a release from the City of Fort Collins, the driver of the ice resurfacer was backing up when they collided with a partially open overhead door on Tuesday afternoon. The driver was taken to an area hospital for treatment, where they later died.

City officials said no other staff or visitors were injured. They added that the employee will not be named at this time.

City Manager Kelly DiMartino said the incident was tragic and that they're conducting a review of the circumstances surrounding the death of the driver of the ice resurfacer. The city will also review safety policies and practices.  Initial reports indicate there was nothing mechanically wrong with the ice resurfacer.

"We remain committed to the safety and security of City staff and every member of our community," said DiMartino. "This pause in our ice rink operations is out of an abundance of caution, to allow for staff support, and to provide time and space to understand the circumstances surrounding the event." 

The ice rink will be closed through the end of business on Thursday, Jan. 30.

Editor's note: Earlier today, the City of Fort Collins provided information that incorrectly identified the brand of the ice resurfacer.