Officials: Woman, 59, Dies After Falling From Zip Line In Delaware

BEAR, De. (CBS) -- Delaware state police are investigating a deadly, 40-foot fall from a zipline at Go Ape, a treetop obstacle course inside Lums Pond State Park in Bear, DE.

A 59-year-old woman fell around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. Paramedics transported her to Christiana Hospital, where she died.

Go Ape immediately shut down and investigators spent the afternoon collecting evidence to determine what went wrong.

"It's unfortunate to hear about what happened," said Tara Altenritter of Bear. "To me, it's always been very safe and it's a super fun activity around here in this area."

Others who've gone to Go Ape in the past said the safety procedures are thorough, but added you have to pay attention during the training.

"The staff basically takes you through how to hook up to the wires as you're going through all the obstacles, but after you get up there, it's kind of up to you to make sure you're hooked up safe," said John Lunsford of Bear.

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Go Ape is headquartered in Maryland.

The company released a statement, which read in part:

"The Go Ape team is deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends and in particular to those who were on the course with her at the time.

We will of course be cooperating with the authorities with regard to this incident. It would be inappropriate to comment or speculate on the circumstances of this incident until all of the investigations are completed."

The incident remains under investigation.

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