Brittany Horn, and Alonzo Small

The News Journal

A 59-year-old woman died Wednesday after falling from a zip line ride at Lums Pond State Park near Kirkwood, authorities have confirmed.

She was at Go Ape, which offers a "Treetop Adventure" experience and features a "2- to 3-hour journey through the forest canopy as you take on suspended obstacles, Tarzan swings and breathtaking zip lines – all with an incredible view of the public parks where we operate," according to the company's website.

The woman, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, fell approximately 40 feet from the attraction about 1:40 p.m., according to state police. She was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics before being transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Multiple police agencies and the state police helicopter were called to the park Wednesday afternoon. Melanie Rapp, a spokeswoman for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, said they have few details and continue to investigate.

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Go Ape closed following the fall, and customers received refunds. Staff members on the scene were describing to patrons what happened as an "emergency situation." Crew members who work at the park appeared shaken.

"The Go Ape team is deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence," Chris Swallow, director of Go Ape, said in a statement. "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."

He said Go Ape would be cooperating with authorities.

A Delaware Forensic investigator truck arrived on the scene about 5:40 p.m.

The investigation into the incident is in its early stages. More information will be provided at the conclusion of the investigation, state police said.

John Lunsford, of Bear, has used the zip line in the past and said he has never encountered a problem.

Lunsford attributes this to the training that is offered prior to using the zip line.

Go Ape offers safety training and skills on how to properly complete a course, according to the company's website.

The website also states that all participants are required to read and sign a waiver before using the zip line.

Tara Altenritter, of Bear, said she has used the Go Ape zip line in the past with her kids and always felt safe after receiving the training. She also said that all guests are monitored by staff throughout the course.

“To me, it’s always been very safe and a super fun activity around here in this area for sure,” Altenritter said. “It’s unfortunate to hear about what happened.”

Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn. Contact Alonzo Small at (302) 324-2856 or asmall@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @P_AlonzoSmall.