Rider Who Fell From Keystone Chairlift in December Has Died

A snowboarder who fell from a chairlift at Keystone Resort has died.

Donovan Romero fell from a lift back in December 2024. He died on May 2, 2025, the Colorado Sun has reported.

A witness told investigators that Romero fell from the Ruby Express chairlift while he was trying to adjust his binding. A safety bar was not lowered, and the terrain below featured exposed rocks because it was so early in the season.

Romero was wearing a helmet, the Sun reports. He was airlifted to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood. He leaves behind two daughters, ages 8 and 10.

“Based on the initial investigation and witness statement, the incident does not appear to have been caused by any lift malfunction and further investigation is not warranted at this time,” the safety board said in a statement back in December.

According to an officer with the Summit County Sheriff's Office, chairlift falls in Summit County are “uncommon.” The sheriff's office responds to one fall every other ski season or so.

Despite that, a spokesperson with St. Anthony Hospital told CPR News, “Sadly, we see a number of skiers airlifted to St. Anthony Hospital this time of year,” in a statement.

Our thoughts are with the rider’s family at this time.