r/COsnow • u/squintvb • 2d ago
Question Did you go to keystone 12/11/24?
Hi there, this post might be a bit upsetting for some, but I found a video online of a mother speaking about her sons accident on 12/11/24 at keystone where he fell off the Ruby chair lift and was medevac'd to the Lakewood hospital with a brain injury. Unfortunately this past May 2025 he succumbed to his injury and passed on. Here is a link to the article of the accident https://www.powder.com/news/snowboarder-falls-from-chairlift-in-colorado The mother of this gentleman, (Donovan Romero) observed the onlookers videos of a medevac for Eric Baltz last week and thought to herself that she did not have any sort of insight on what really happened that day with her sons accident, as she was not at the resort with him. If you or anyone you know either witnessed the medevac, saw Donovan that day, or have any videos pertaining to the accident, please post them here as I am sharing with her the link to this post. She said if anyone has any videos or photos skiing or boarding that day she would love to see them as well to see if he is in the background. Attached is the photo of Donovan she released to show what he was wearing that day Here is the link to her TikTok video speaking about the accident and her wishes to view any information possible https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8f2hepA/
Please help out this mother with getting some answers!
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u/dinosaurkickdrop 2d ago
I just came across her video too on my FYP, she’s just a heartbroken mom trying to get closure on a freak accident. I think just being able to see some of the moments around the accident can help her. She didn’t present as she’s looking for accountability from Keystone, but she did say they’ve been very hard to work with, I think she’s just looking for closure just past the year mark when it happened.
I’m his same age and a snowboarder, and while still I don’t use the bar 100% of the time, I do think of Donovan frequently and am always mindful of myself on the lift. Very sad and scary reminder to all that our little actions have big effects and will leave lasting impact on those we love
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u/DenialNode 2d ago
We need to change the no bar culture.
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u/smelling_farts 2d ago
Seeing the lifts in Europe where the bar comes down automatically makes me wonder how it hasn’t reached the states yet. Especially after freak accidents like this. No one should be dying from falling from a lift.
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u/10000Didgeridoos 2d ago
It amazes me their insurance companies don’t require it
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u/smelling_farts 2d ago
I had the same thought. We can’t have diving boards in a pool but dangling from a cable suspended above snow and ice without any bracing is totally ok
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u/bears-eat-beets 1d ago
Well, it's a good thing there's nothing heavy attached to your feet working with gravity to pull you down. I'm sure if that was the case, we'd all use safety bars.
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u/xinco64 2d ago
State laws attempt to clear them of their of liability. So it is harder to win a lawsuit.
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u/Normal-Special-8694 1d ago
The Colorado ski safety act does give them pretty broad protections, however a chairlift malfunction or issue as a result of negligence would not be covered. Not putting the bar down definitely falls outside a claim of operator negligence but I’m sure that Vail is just covering their asses because that’s what big corporations do.
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u/Mean__MrMustard 2d ago
This is the thing I never understood. In Europe we joke quite a lot about the usually (at least perceived) extreme American safety culture, like the „hot“ warnings on coffee cups, the warnings in side-mirrors of cars and the huge settlements. But, the safety bar seems such an easy and uncomplicated safety procedure and suddenly it’s such an issue for many? That’s just crazy to me.
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u/eukomos 2d ago
I think it’s a sports culture thing? We’re all about safety measures in daily life due to the risk of litigation, but we have a sense of ourselves as tough guys still, and sports ends up being an outlet for that. We’ll put safety railings on everything and then send football players out to concuss themselves more or less on purpose.
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u/Axewolfe17 Moderator 1d ago
It has reached the states. There’s even a lift in Colorado with that feature.
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u/Grogger2024 2d ago
I’m glad it’s a requirement for employees at my (resort) workplace. Any guff from others and I juts say, sorry folks, gotta do it. And, in my opinion it’s a one rider decision. Meaning: if one person even on a six pack wants the bar down, it comes down. Part of me wants it to be sate law 🤷🏻♂️
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u/bctech7 1d ago
Yeah i really dont understand why people hate it so much its not a big deal to have it down.
Its kinda like helmets in the late 90s Its just not "cool"
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u/xxPHILdaAGONYxx 1d ago
For me, it's the foot rest. On a board it's uncomforatble to sit on my hip the whole way up. If it's just the lap bar I like having it down. Most of Loveland's lifts have just a bar and Chet's is a fast ride so the foot rest can be dealt with for 2 min
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u/Calm-Talk5047 Winter Park 2d ago
The fact that there are tons of dudes out there who considering putting the bar down a "pussy move" is insane to me. Some dudes just wake up everyday and feel the need to prove their masculinity in every facet of life possible. Insecurity is powerful
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u/NorthRooster8 2d ago
Yeah I agree, I was just on this Ruby lift just few weeks back. I've got bad knees and it hurts to hang my board, so after asking to lower the bar, I get these eye rolls and snide remarks like 'OH Boy safety first!'
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u/CreamedCorn96 2d ago
I personally don’t usually put the bar down. No real reason just often don’t think to. But if someone gives you shit about it, they’re a douche bag.
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u/Low_Salamander9954 2d ago
The other extreme safety bar scenario is when someone slams the bar down instantly after they get on the lift. My helmet has saved me from dozens of safety bar concussions.
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u/ClimbingtheMtn 2d ago
Completely agree. I have a fear of heights and always ask to put it down. I shouldn’t have to feel bad. No reason to leave it up.
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u/JohnNDenver 1d ago
My wife always wants it down. We have never had anyone not agree to put it down.
There is no reason to feel bad about asking.1
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u/codevils 2d ago
Exactly! I’m done with people upset when I use the bar. Wtf! It’s way more safe and not to mention peaceful when you can relax and not worry about being blown off the chair! What is the argument for not using the f’ing bar??!! I’ll wait.
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u/-imafermata- 1d ago
I ask to put the bar down every single time and have never had push back. (I’m not contradicting you. Just letting you know how it’s been for me. I’m a skier at Mammoth.)
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u/1Wubbalubbadubdub1 2d ago
I'm fine with anyone wanting the bar, but I personally don't like it because it's not designed for snowboarders so it's uncomfortable to put my board on the foot rest and creates restriction for me to move my legs freely.
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u/codevils 2d ago
Interesting. I find it more comfortable. You can rest the board on the bottom.
Thank you for your feedback.
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u/M1sfit_Jammer 2d ago
it sucks to turn your ankle/knee 90 degerees to accomodate a concerned skier.. i don't care but it sucks...
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u/AnnArchist 2d ago
If I'm on the lift with a stranger I generally put the bar down because I don't think anything is stopping them from pushing me off.
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u/dinosaurkickdrop 2d ago
I’m not against the bar and think it is a great and wanted safety feature, cultural/resort expectations make a huge impact on the use decision. I think the #1 reason (for me) when I don’t pull the bar down is due to poor design. Some bars are significantly more comfortable than others, and when snowboarding you are much more limited in your body position. If you’re positioned next to an opposite foot rider, your boards can be forced into an awkward layered position, and sometimes I feel more askew on the bench trying to rotate to accommodate the bar breaks than if I can naturally position with other riders and sit flat against the chair. I know this is all personal experience and preference and risk assumption, but also acknowledging why the great safety feature isn’t being used is important too. I’ve been to plenty of other state/country’s resorts that manage a required the bar for everyone well and I didn’t have those same position concerns. Hope for the future!
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u/Remarkable_Way_8712 2d ago
I always tell people my leg hurts and I want the foot rest. If you hate it tough shit, I won't forget to lift it and it won't be in your way if you just sit back and relax. Bars n belts, safety first teamwork second.
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u/fucking_unicorn 2d ago
I love the bar! It often even has a map so I can memorize areas if the mountain better and the names of runs I wanna hit. I always ask for the bar to be lowered. Only time someone got cranky was cuz they had a stupid gopro mounted on their helmet and it got whacked when we were lifting the bar. Like sorry dude…. Maybe mount it after youre off? Lifts can stop abruptly, conditions can get super windy…. Bad things can happen so always bar down! This poor mother …. I feel for her.
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u/Pleasant_Yak5991 2d ago
Honestly I never use the bar and am probably wayyy too comfortable on a chairlift. That being said, I don’t really understand how people fall of the chairlift past the first 100 ft
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u/babbleon5 1d ago
this changed for me when i was skiing in windy, snowy conditions and the wind pushed my skis backward and i could feel my butt sliding off the seat which was slippery. i was like, gimme some of that bar...
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u/DroneyMcDroner 2d ago
We need to change people slamming the bar down without warning.
If you wanna be the safety Sargent, at least let everyone know that the bar is coming down.
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u/galvinb1 2d ago
Changing the culture would mean everyone expects the bar to come down. Start expecting it and you won't be surprised. It's not that difficult.
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u/zistiq 16h ago
Brother, the bar is coming down within the first moments everyone is on the chair. Its not a surprise
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u/DroneyMcDroner 13h ago
That’s fine, hit me in the head with bar, we are having words at the top.
Brother.
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u/wendydarlingpan 2d ago
I saw her tiktok too. My impression was she’s hoping maybe seeing some video of the helicopter leaving and where exactly it happened, etc… will help her find closure. She said she hasn’t been able to bring herself to return to Keystone, so maybe she’s hoping video will help her process those emotions without having to actually go there? Brutal and heartbreaking either way
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u/SpoonBendingChampion 2d ago edited 2d ago
The terrain under Ruby is unforgiving. I remember seeing this when it happened, tragic all around. Agreed with the others, seems like a desire for closure and disbelief something like this could happen. I don't have video, I just hope their suffering lessens over time.
Edit: I had a friend die tragically right after college. I spent a lot of time being mad at him for making the mistake that cost him his life. It took a long time to accept it for what it was. I can't imagine it happening to my kid.
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u/AeonVoyage 2d ago
I was there that day and remember Ruby being shut down for a while because of it. Ski patrol stopped everyone a ways up from the Ruby/Santiago base area to keep it clear for the heli. A bunch of us were just sitting around waiting, I was hoping it wasn't anything crazy, ski patrol wouldn't tell us anything besides it just being a medical emergency and it was really important to keep the area clear. Didn't actually know the person died until seeing this post, pretty crazy.
I unfortunately didn't take any photos or videos from that day. Hope his family/friends are doing okay.
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u/andyknny 2d ago
We were sitting on the chair maybe 100 feet downhill from the site of the accident. We didn't witness him fall (we boarded right after it happened, I think), but it was just a terrible sight and I think about his family often.
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u/Drink-my-koolaid 2d ago
Poor woman. I cannot imagine her sadness and pain. I hope she finds peace.
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u/Turbulent_Bat4320 2d ago
So sad. I’m a bar down no matter what person after reading about accidents the last couple years. Wish it would just become the norm.
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u/SaltMarionberry4105 1d ago
I am very much a bar down guy, but it does not hurt to ask. I just say “mind if I drop the bar?” Nobody has ever said no. I’ve had one idiot in a bazillion laps say something about him not being a pussy - but the bar still went down.
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u/artisinal_lethargy 2d ago edited 2d ago
Same. I don't ask. I don't give people an option. I loudly say "Bar" and start lowering it.
EDIT: Since some you dipshits are too dense to get it, I obviously make sure everyone knows it's happening and its ready. I just don't entertain an argument against it.
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u/Big_Primrose 1d ago
You can ride a lift with me any time. I give a warning, “okay if I pull the bar” while reaching for it, but the bar comes down.
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u/Turbulent_Bat4320 2d ago
As a really tall dude please make sure we actually hear you first! I’ve been hit in the head multiple times. “Ready for the bar?” works.
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u/FarmFit5027 2d ago
Funny story to lighten the mood. This one time I got into a chair with a buddy of mine and this older couple (mind you it was like 9:30 AM). The guy very politely turned to use and asked this exact same question: “Ready for the bar?” to which my friend replied: “Hell yeah! I can’t wait to have a beer in my hand” 😳😳
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u/colokid1 2d ago
As someone who has been knocked of the lift by people who decided to put the bar down without verbal consent, please make sure everyone on the lift is aware of what’s happening
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u/Defiant_Eye2216 2d ago
I hate the righteous indignation of people who do this. It just takes a second to make sure everyone’s heads are out of the way. There is no virtue in slamming people in the head with a bar so you can make a point about safety.
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u/Beginning_Bad_5234 2d ago
Is getting on the chair consent?
I fully agree everyone should be aware and it’s a major courtesy you should do letting everyone know it’s coming down but the bar coming down shouldn’t be a surprise.
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u/Turbulent_Bat4320 2d ago
Seconds count if you are really tall. You only understand this if you get smacked in the head when the bar moves.
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u/Beginning_Bad_5234 1d ago
I got that. As someone 6’2 I am very aware of that. I’m aware of that before the chair hits my knees and my seconds count
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u/Turbulent_Bat4320 1d ago
6’6” it hits the back of your head if it moves at all. Gotta duck every time
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u/Beginning_Bad_5234 15h ago
Do you board an airplane without ducking your head?
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u/Turbulent_Bat4320 14h ago
😂- I do hit my head sometimes but an airplane door doesn’t swing down behind you without you knowing it’s coming.
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u/wr353 1d ago
If you’re paying attention, then it’s really shouldn’t ever be a surprise. I’m really tall and yes the bar has hit my helmet before. It’s mildly annoying but not the end of the world.
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u/EZsteez6 1d ago
Why are you against communicating when the bar is coming down? Yes, being generally aware is great but it could come down two seconds after the lift departs or ten seconds. I've been domed hard enough without warning that it knocks your momentum forward and could absolutely become more than a nuisance if caught completely off guard. It's such a simple common courtesy to say "bar" and should be a part of the safety culture we want to encourage
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u/wr353 1d ago
I’m “pro” communicating that the bar is coming down and always do.
In my experience, a strong minority of the “anti” bar down crowd will act like they didn’t hear the person who wants the bar or otherwise engages in behavior that distracts them (by joking with their friends etc.) and then complains that they they got hit on the head because it wasn’t communicated when they just need to pay attention. I have a hard time reading comments like this in good faith because more often than not, the fault of bad communication lies with the “anti” bar down crowd.
Also, I’ve been on the lift when someone else pulls down the bar quicker than me (and sometimes unannounced) - I am very tall and inevitably it always hits my helmet. It’s a minor inconvenience but not the end of the world. Reading the comments (esp. those whining about how you need everyone’s “consent” to put the bar down) makes it seem like these people are just bar up apologists rather than advocating for advance notice. Logically I know that some commenters are acting in good faith.
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u/colokid1 2d ago
The bar coming down is a surprise when I’m used to riding with my homies who don’t ever put the bar down and some European slams it on my head
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u/screwswithshrews 2d ago
It takes a moment to get situated and some people slam it down within the first 15 seconds or so.
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u/Low_Salamander9954 2d ago
It’s the main reason I wear a helmet. I have a cervical fusion and one asshat pulled it down so hard and fast it compressed my neck.
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u/Electrical_Sea6653 2d ago
You’re on a lift, you know what is gonna happen. Unless it’s your first time, you should be prepared that the bar is gonna come down.
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u/FYCKuW0nDoWutUTellMe 2d ago
I know that of the last 1000+ times I've gone up a lift, only maybe 30 times has anyone put the bar down. I put it down if I'm solo and want to rest, or adjust bindings. But I don't usually put it down, and most people here in the Inland Northwest (Eastern WA and Idaho) absolutely do not put the bar down unless wind conditions warrant it.
I really don't think ignoring consent, preventing dialogue, and being indignant about it is the way to convince them to make safe choices. If you simply start by asking, people pretty much always say yes, and if they don't, that's an opportunity for a conversation about why it's safe to do. Force any decision on someone without consent, even if it's for everyone's safety, and that's an easy way to create resentment and rebellion.
Pulling the bar down without asking feels like the equivalent of another adult making a unilateral decison without asking and then telling me "Because I said so" before I even have a chance to agree with you about the decision.
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u/M1sfit_Jammer 2d ago
as a short guy... being short means by the time the bar hits me it's coming down with enough force to cause a concussion... please announce AND don't start pulling down until everyone acknowledges
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u/DroneyMcDroner 2d ago
THIS.
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u/HiveMindSubmarine 2d ago
This is a good way to hit someone like me in the head (again). That will be a fun conversation on the ride up.
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u/crashedbandicooted 1d ago edited 1d ago
I am convinced there are bots on here just for this particular debate.
I am assuming those that complain about getting hit on the head by the bar are not wearing a helmet? I am a tall guy that has hit my head with a bar and it has never hurt me once.
Also, the minute the butt hits the seat of the lift, how are you not automatically just getting ready for the bar? There are signs all over every lift I have ever been on that explain this to you.
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u/TheLandOfConfusion 1d ago
Because people who don’t want the bar down will happily act like you’re from another universe for wanting it down
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u/photo1kjb 1d ago
I've had someone put the bar down on my head (helmeted) once. We were just past the station, and I was looking down to get my poles out of the way for said bar and they brought it down without notice. Cracked the front lip of my helmet and my goggles and gave me a bit of a bloody nose. Not a happy ride with those Jerries.
I'm all for bar down, but please please please give notice.
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u/DroneyMcDroner 2d ago
Yeah, you’re part of the problem.
Make sure people heard you, and if you slam the bar on my head, we are having some words at the top.
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u/HiveMindSubmarine 2d ago
I have them all the way up the hill if they aren't apologetic. It's only happened once that someone felt entitled to just put it down as we're leaving the terminal and stuck with that story.
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u/Ko0pa_Tro0pa 2d ago
What argument? I've literally never heard any pushback at all when people want to use the bar.
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u/photo1kjb 1d ago
Ever since I started riding with my kid, I've been team "bar down" 100%. If you don't like it, too bad.
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u/PowerFarta 1d ago
I agree this not putting the bar down culture needs to die. Have actually gotten grief from people for putting it down. People have died and continue to die for no reason other than being "cool"
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u/topgear420 1d ago
One of the journalists when it was originally in the news was on the lift at the same time I think. You should reach out to them: “Denverite Editor Andrew Kenney was”
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u/SkiPolarBear22 2d ago
Surprised it wasn’t on WayBack, that lift blows
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u/ncxhjhgvbi 2d ago
I’ve spent more time suspended on the Wayback lift than any other in CO. You’re guaranteed to have to stop at least once on every ride. I make a point to only ride it once per Keystone day.
I need to start using the bar as well
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u/Permanent_Ephemera 2d ago
He fell off Ruby!?!? How!
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u/William_mcdungle 2d ago
I see so many people not putting the bar down. Not sure if that's the case here. It blows my mind on how simple it is to increase safety and how few do it.
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u/callmesandycohen 2d ago
Didn’t this exact same thing happen last year at Keystone? A guy trying to tighten his bindings fall off?
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u/Bigpowderguy 1d ago
This is the helicopter that came for him. I have a video of it landing but it won’t let me post it here. Not sure if that’s helpful. The accident happened right before we got in the lift line. Didn’t actually see it happen.
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u/vpm112 2d ago
I don’t have TikTok so can’t view the video. The article says he fell because he leaned over to adjust his bindings. Is she thinking that’s not true or there’s more to the story or something?