A zipline worker has died after falling 70-feet in an attempt to save a stranded woman, according to tragic reports.
Joaquin Romero, 34, was trying to assist a woman ziplining at the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline on the La Jolla Indian Reservation in the Pauma Valley in California this past Saturday (October 30).
As per the Daily Mail, Romero was in the process of harnessing a woman to a zipline when she slid away from the platform. He tried to make a grab to pull her back in, but was instead himself pulled from safety and left to dangle 70-feet above the ground from the zipline.
A friend of Romero’s told Fox 8 that Romero feared he and the woman would both fall from the zipline due to the extra weight, so he selflessly let go and in doing so sacrificed himself.
First responders on the scene airlifted Romero to Sharp Memorial Hospital. Tragically, he passed away two days later on Monday, November 1.
The county’s Medical Officer wrote: “Following admission, [Romero] was diagnosed with multiple blunt force injuries.
“[Romero] was given a poor prognosis and family decided to place him on comfort care measures which were administered until his death was pronounced on 11/01/2021.”
The woman, meanwhile, did not suffer any injuries.
Normal Contreras, tribal chairwoman with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, told KSWB: “We are saddened and heart-broken over the recent tragic accident involving one of our employees at the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline.”
She added: “Like any employer, we pride ourselves on having a safe working environment and a safe and enjoyable experience for our customers.
“Given the circumstances of the accident, the Tribe is conducting an in-depth and comprehensive investigation, in coordination and cooperation with federal and state authorities.
“Until this investigation is completed, we won’t be able to provide any further comment on this incident.
“We ask that you join us in keeping our employee and his family in our prayers.”
Antonio Romero, brother to Joaquin, established a GoFundMe page in the days following the terrible incident. It can be found here, and has so far raised $21,683 of a $20,000 goal.
Rest in peace, Joaquin. What a brave man to sacrifice himself in a bid to save another.
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