Industry News
A tragic incident at Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, two years ago has led to a lawsuit against Vail Resorts following the death of a skier who fell from a chairlift, reports The Denver Post. John Perucco, 60, of Illinois, died on March 17, 2023, after falling 25 feet from the Zendo chairlift onto a hard-packed, groomed trail.
The lawsuit, filed by Perucco’s widow in Summit County District Court, alleges negligence by Breckenridge Ski Resort and its parent company, Vail Resorts. According to the complaint, Perucco attempted to clear ice and snow from his seat shortly after boarding the lift, causing him to slide off “suddenly and without warning” before reaching the first tower.
Despite Perucco’s 46 years of skiing experience, including 18 years as a volunteer ski patroller, the fall resulted in severe injuries, including a broken spine, clavicle, and ribs, as well as damage to his heart and lungs. Ski patrol responded at 9:20 a.m., but Perucco died en route to the hospital.
The lawsuit claims that Breckenridge staff failed to properly maintain the lift, allowing ice and snow to accumulate on the seats. The complaint alleges that the resort delayed notifying the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board, potentially compromising the investigation.
While the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board’s report indicated no mechanical issues with the Zendo Chair, the lift’s reopening after the incident prevented a complete on-scene investigation. Witnesses reported that when he fell, Perucco had twisted to brush something off the chair seat.
Since its establishment in 1965, Colorado’s Tramway Safety Board has recorded only seven fatalities related to lift malfunctions across three incidents. These include a 2016 death at Granby Ranch when a mother died after she and her two children fell 20 feet and a 2020 incident at Vail Mountain where a skier was strangled after becoming entangled by his coat.
In January 2023, a ski patroller was killed at Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, after a tree fell on the chair he was riding, and he fell to his death. Just last week, a skier was killed after falling from a chairlift at Red Lodge Mountain, Montana.
