Joaquin Romero, a 34-year-old zip line worker at La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline, is believed to have sacrificed his life to save a customer. Tributes continue to pour in for Romero, who worked at the zip line located on the La Jolla Indian Reservation in northeast San Diego, California.
Romero and a customer found themselves dangling high in the air after being pulled back onto the line. On October 30, 2021, a serious incident occurred just as a customer finished a course at the park.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner reported that after Romero grabbed a customer’s harness to steady them on the tower platform, both were pulled off the tower. Romero then let go of the harness, falling approximately 50 feet to the valley floor.
In November 2021, Zipline instructor Joaquin Romero, fatally fell after he sacrificed himself to save a customer. He let go of the zipline because it was too heavy to hold both him and his client. A true hero. pic.twitter.com/uinDXIlPUX
— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) September 28, 2023
A friend later told FOX 5 San Diego that Romero likely released the harness to prevent both of them from falling due to the weight strain on the wire.
Romero was rushed to the hospital, where he sustained multiple blunt force injuries. He was given a poor prognosis, and his family decided to place him on comfort care until his death.
Norma Contreras, chairwoman of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, stating that the tribe is conducting a thorough investigation with federal and state authorities. She asked for thoughts and prayers for Romero and his family.
Investigators concluded that La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline failed to protect their employees adequately. San Diego OSHA area director Derek Engard noted that proper protective equipment could have prevented the tragedy. The Department of Labor cited the park for four serious safety violations, giving them 15 days to respond.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to cover Romero’s funeral expenses and to raise funds for his child.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Local 12 reports that Joaquin Romero, 34, a zip line course employee, sacrificed himself to save a woman by falling 70 feet to his death after grabbing her harness.(read more)
- Reddit – r/AllThatIsInteresting reports on the tragic death of zipline instructor Joaquin Romero in November 2021, who sacrificed himself to save a customer.(read more)
- NBC San Diego reports that the death of a zip-line worker in North County could have been prevented if La Jolla Zip Zoom Zip Line had implemented required safety measures, leading to four serious safety violations and nearly $25,000 in fines.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Joaquin Romero?
Joaquin Romero was a 34-year-old zip line worker at La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline in San Diego, California.
What happened to Joaquin Romero at the zipline park?
Joaquin Romero fell about 50 feet while trying to save a customer, sustaining multiple blunt force injuries.
Why is Joaquin Romero considered a hero?
Joaquin Romero let go of the zip-line harness to prevent a customer from falling, sacrificing himself in the process.
What actions did the park take after the incident?
The park conducted an in-depth investigation and was cited for four serious safety violations by the Department of Labor.
How can people support Joaquin Romero’s family?
A GoFundMe was launched to help pay for Joaquin’s funeral services and raise savings for his child.
