Police ID Woman Who Died After Falling 35 Feet In Del. State Park
BEAR, Del. (CBS) – Delaware State Police have identified the woman who died after falling from the platform at the Lums Pond State Park Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities say 59-year-old Tina Werner, of Felton, was standing on the platform on the Go Ape Aerial Rope Adventure Course waiting to descend on a zip line when she fell approximately 35 feet.
First aid and advanced life-saving efforts were rendered by employees and Park Rangers.
Werner was then treated by paramedics and rushed to Christiana Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The investigation is ongoing, however, police say foul play is not suspected.
Police say an autopsy will be performed.
Thursday afternoon, Go Ape released the following statement on the accident: 'We are very saddened by the events from yesterday at our Lums Pond State Park location and feel deeply for the family and friends.
As well as carrying out our own thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, we have already begun working with external agencies including the Delaware State Police. More than 6 million customers have undertaken Go Ape courses safely in compliance with American and European standards. Having undertaken our initial investigation, and having talked to witnesses to the incident, we can confirm that an adult participant attended our course at Lums Pond where she underwent training in the safe use of the course.
Having completed her training on how to remain attached to the safety system the participant proceeded onto the course and progressed to the final platform of site 4, towards the end of the activity, where she fell from the platform to the ground. Participant witnesses have stated that at the time of the accident the participant had unfortunately disconnected herself from the safety system.
We confirm that a full inspection of the course, with particular focus on the last platform at site 4, has been undertaken and all of the course and associated safety equipment was and remains in sound operational condition. Nothing was broken or unserviceable. Our course at Lums Pond is currently closed to guests as a mark of respect.
We would like to thank the State Police, our Park Partners and the emergency services for their prompt assistance. The thoughts and prayers of all of us remain with the family and friends.'
