Man in Skypark Trampoline Mishap Dies; Online Debate on Safety Continues | Valley Fever | Phoenix | Phoenix New Times | The Leading Independent News Source in Phoenix, Arizona
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Man in Skypark Trampoline Mishap Dies; Online Debate on Safety Continues

A 30-year-old man who broke his neck at the Skypark Trampoline Park in Phoenix last Thursday has died. Captain Scott Walker of the Phoenix Fire Department confirmed this morning that the victim, who's name still hasn't been released, died Sunday at a local hospital. Witnesses say the man had jumped...
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A 30-year-old man who broke his neck at the Skypark Trampoline Park in Phoenix last Thursday has died.

Captain Scott Walker of the Phoenix Fire Department confirmed this morning that the victim, who's name still hasn't been released, died Sunday at a local hospital.

Witnesses say the man had jumped from a trampoline into the facility's "foam pit," which is full of foam cubes to cushion landings. The man was seen motionless in the pit for a short time before someone called 911.

Firefighters arrived in four minutes and found him not breathing and without a pulse. He regained a heartbeat after rescuers performed CPR, but Walker told New Times last week that by then, the man had suffered likely brain damage.

The facility at 3921 East Indian School Road remains open, but has closed the foam pit for now. Skypark's grand opening was on January 20. The owners released a statement about the tragedy, which we've republished below, in the comment section of our Friday blog post.

More than 150 comments were left on that post, with many people responding to comments by local businesswoman Gia Heller, who claims that the facility needs to shore up its safety measures.

Sky Park's statement is below:

We are deeply saddened about the accident at Skypark that occurred this past Thursday. Our concern is for the injured person and his family, and we are praying for them. We are investigating the circumstances of the accident so that we can know all of the actual facts. Out of respect for the injured person and his family, the location of the accident (the foam pit) is currently closed. The rest of the Park will continue to remain open. Safety has been, and remains, of the upmost importance to Skypark. Please join us in prayer for the injured person and his family.

-- Skypark Management

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