A zipline worker who sacrificed himself in order to save a woman who had become stuck on the attraction has been branded a "hero" on social media.
Joaquin Romero was working as an employee of the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline at the La Jolla Indian Reservation in the Pauma Valley in California when the tragic incident occurred.
On October 30, 34-year-old Romero was assisting a woman at the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline, when she started to slide out onto the line while he was getting her hooked up on the platform. The Daily Mail reports how Romero had kept ahold of her harness in an attempt to prevent her sliding off, but instead was pulled out onto the line with her.
Both Romero and the woman then slid out onto the line and were left hanging 70 feet (21 meters) above the ground below.
Speaking to Fox8, an unnamed friend revealed that Romero then opted to let go after fearing that the weight of both individuals would also result in her falling.
According to the Daily Mail, the maximum weight the zipline can hold is 250 pounds.
Cal Fire Department Captain Frank LoCoco later revealed that after falling to the ground, Romero was airlifted to Sharp Memorial Hospital. However, he tragically died the morning of November 1.
The county's Medical Officer wrote in a press statement: "Following admission, [Romero] was diagnosed with multiple blunt force injuries."
The report adds that there are "no charges pending at this time."
According to additional reports, the woman was fortunately uninjured by the incident.
Normal Contreras - tribal chairwoman with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians - told KSWB: "We are saddened and heart-broken over the recent tragic accident involving one of our employees at the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline."
She added: "Like any employer, we pride ourselves on having a safe working environment and a safe and enjoyable experience for our customers. We ask that you join us in keeping our employee and his family in our prayers."
Romero's brother, Antonio, has since started a GoFundMe in an attempt to raise funds for the funeral and savings for Romero's child. The fundraiser has since amassed over $21,000, as of this writing.
Following the story being shared on social media, Romero has been hailed as a "hero" for his actions that day.
"Joaquin Romero is a Hero for saving a woman’s life who was trapped on a zip line. May he RIP," one person wrote.
A second tweeted: "That's quite a hero. Sacrificing himself to save another. RIP Joaquin Romero."
Our thoughts are with Romero's family and friends at this time.
