Lawmaker's daughter dies in Colorado via ferrata accident

Olivia Copeland, 26, died Saturday afternoon after falling while leading a group on the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Authorities say the incident occurred at about 3:05 p.m. on Sept. 20. Rescue teams arrived to find that Copeland had sustained significant injuries and did not survive the fall, according to the Idaho Springs Police Department.

Copeland was guiding a party through the Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata, a climb that uses metal rails mounted to a mountainside and safety lines climbers can latch onto. AVA Rafting and Zipline markets the Mount Blue Sky course as one of its most daring adventure trips, describing it as a more challenging option than its other via ferrata route. The half-day excursion provides helmets, harnesses, and gloves, and participants are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing.

Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment, along with the Division of Oil and Public Safety, announced they will review the incident. AVA Rafting and Zipline is expected to notify OSHA of the event, as required by regulation. The company has not publicly commented in detail about the accident.

The Copeland family released a statement through local media, saying in part that Olivia was a vibrant, adventurous, and deeply loved young woman whose life was cut short. They asked for privacy as they grieve and noted their shock following the unexpected death of Olivia’s father, Michael Copeland, who served as mayor of Olathe, Kansas, for 19 years before his death in 2020. The statement also expressed hope in their faith during this difficult time.

Prior to moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, Olivia Copeland lived in Olathe, Kansas. Her father’s tenure as mayor and his community work—along with his long-standing public service—were remembered by neighbors and former colleagues, according to local coverage.

The Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course Olivia was guiding has been described by AVA as one of the company’s most daring adventure trips. The course involves traversing a cliffside in an assisted climbing experience, with gear including a helmet, harness, and gloves. AVA’s description notes that the more challenging route is a half-day excursion and recommends guests come prepared with appropriate clothing and closed-toe footwear.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fall, and no definitive cause has been released publicly. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with high-adventure tours, even as operators emphasize safety gear and trained guides to help participants manage those risks.

As investigators examine the event, the family asked the public to respect their privacy while they grieve. The incident occurred in a popular recreation area near Denver, where AVA operates multiple guided trips that draw visitors seeking rugged outdoor experiences. The investigation and any subsequent findings will determine what factors, if any, contributed to the accident and whether safety protocols were followed during the guided excursion.