Preliminary investigation by the Huron County Sheriff Department found that the zip line harness on an 85-year-old man, who plunged to his death in Michigan, unfastened and caused James McNeil of Belmont to fall and die.
Mlive reports that the accident happened on Thursday at about 3 p.m. at Bayshore Camp. Deputies of the sheriff's office were called to the Christian camp, located at 450 N. Miller, Sebewaing Township which is about 30 miles northeast of Bay City.
Sheriff Kelly Hanson said that McNeil was only a short way down range and about 25 feet from the ground when the harness gave way. Investigations indicate that the safety equipment was in good working condition and the attendant is certified to operate the zip line.
After McNeil fell, rescuers attempted to resuscitate the old man but failed. He was rushed to the Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon but was pronounced dead. The Huron County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy on the victim.
There were previous zip line accidents in Michigan that led to regulations.
In North Carolina, four zip line deaths in summer led to the thorough review of zip line regulations, reports Associated Press. There is no federal regulation of zip lines, but some states have some form of rules. North Carolina has none.
The latest to die in North Carolina from the extreme sport is 12-year-old Bonnie Sanders Burney who was soaring over a 40-foot ravine in a Blue Ridge Mountains camp when the dual zip line snapped and caused Bonnie to plunge to her death.
The state's General Assembly immediately passed a law for officials to research for possible regulation of the sport. Rep. Ted Davis of Wilmington, sponsor of the bill, said that zip lines are obviously dangerous and must be monitored and regulated.