An ice resurfacing machine driver died last week in northern Colorado after colliding with an overhead door at a Fort Collins ice rink, city officials said.
The fatal collision occurred shortly after noon on Tuesday at the Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC), according to a news release from the city of Fort Collins.
Ice resurfacing machines are often referred to as Zambonis, but the exact type of machine involved in the crash remained unknown as of Sunday.
City officials reported that the driver was injured when the resurfacing machine backed into a partially open overhead door at the rink. Paramedics transported the driver to the hospital, where they later died.
No other staff members or EPIC visitors were injured in the incident, Fort Collins officials confirmed.
The victim will be identified by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
“This is a tragic incident, and we are devastated at the loss of our colleague,” Fort Collins City Manager Kelly DiMartino stated in the news release. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we are working to support their loved ones and coworkers.”
Fort Collins staff are currently reviewing the accident to understand what led to the collision and to update safety policies, city officials said.
Following the incident, EPIC remained closed for several days but reopened to the public on Friday, according to the release.
https://www.denverpost.com/2026/02/01/ice-rink-death-fort-collins/