PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. — A carnival worker has died following a tragic incident involving the Zipper ride at the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival on August 26.
Prince Rupert RCMP reported they were called to the fairgrounds around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday night, where officers found a man unconscious near one of the attractions. Despite emergency crews’ attempts to resuscitate him, he was later pronounced dead.
Shooting Star Amusements, which operates the rides, confirmed the incident and described it as a devastating loss for their team. Investigations are now being led by WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroners Service.
In response, the final two days of the carnival have been cancelled. Shooting Star announced that all advance online ticket purchases will be refunded.
The City of Prince Rupert also issued a statement expressing its condolences and announcing that support services are being offered to community members and carnival staff. Victim Services counsellors were made available at the Civic Centre auditorium Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, dozens of residents gathered at the site of the accident for a healing circle, where prayers, drumming, and a sacred fire provided space for collective mourning.
“This is community,” said Mayor Herb Pond, who joined the circle. “There were many tears and embraces, and we found comfort in music and ceremony as we shared our grief.”
The victim’s name has not been released, but the tragedy has left a deep impact on Prince Rupert, where the carnival is a long-standing summer tradition.
