Colorado Ice Rink Worker Killed in Zamboni Accident at Fort Collins Facility
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A workplace accident at a popular community ice rink has claimed the life of a Zamboni operator, casting a shadow over this northern Colorado city and raising questions about facility safety protocols.
The fatal incident occurred around noon on Tuesday, January 27, at the Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC). According to an official release from the City of Fort Collins, the employee was operating the ice-resurfacing vehicle when it backed into a partially open overhead door. The driver sustained critical injuries in the collision.
Emergency responders transported the individual to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification and an autopsy by the Larimer County Coroner's Office.
"We are devastated at the loss of our colleague," said Fort Collins City Manager Kelly DiMartino in a somber statement. "This is a profound tragedy for our work family and the community. Our immediate focus is on providing support to the employee's loved ones and our grieving staff."
DiMartino confirmed that no patrons or other staff members were injured. The city has launched a comprehensive review of the incident and existing safety procedures for municipal facilities. "We are committed to understanding exactly what happened and to ensuring the safety of all city employees and the public," she added.
In response to the tragedy, the EPIC ice rink was closed for the remainder of Tuesday and all day Wednesday, January 28. Operations were scheduled to resume on Friday after what the city called "a period for staff support and investigation."
The Edora Pool Ice Center, a joint-use facility managed by the city's recreation department, is a hub for youth hockey, figure skating, and public skating. Workplace fatalities involving Zambonis, though rare, highlight the potential hazards in arena operations, where large machinery operates in confined spaces often adjacent to public areas.
Community Reaction
The news has reverberated through Fort Collins' tight-knit skating community.
"Mike was a fixture here for years—always had a wave for the kids after the early morning hockey practices," said Robert Chen, 58, a longtime youth hockey coach. "This isn't just a loss for the city staff; it's a loss for everyone who uses this rink. It makes you pause and think about the people who work behind the scenes to keep these community spaces running."
"A man is dead in a completely preventable accident. Were safety sensors functional? Was the door mechanism properly maintained? This 'thorough review' needs to be public and transparent," argued Diana Moss, 42, a local safety advocate and frequent rink visitor. "'Abundance of caution' comes after the fact. We need accountability, not just press releases."
"Our hearts are broken for the family," shared James O'Malley, 67, a retired rink manager from a neighboring town. "These machines are heavier than a car and operate in a specific, sometimes tricky, environment. Training and constant vigilance are paramount. I hope the investigation leads to concrete changes that protect other workers."
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is likely to be involved in the investigation, which could take several weeks to complete.