British ColumbiaRobert James Nickerson of Halifax died after being hit by the Zipper ride in Prince Rupert, B.C.Robert James Nickerson of Halifax died after being hit by Zipper ride in Prince Rupert, B.C.Andrew Kurjata · CBC News · Posted: Sep 04, 2025 8:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 7 hours agoRobert James Nickerson has been identified as the carnival worker who died after being hit by a ride in Prince Rupert, B.C., on Aug. 26. He is being remembered by friends and family as a joyful and loyal presence. (Justin Wagner/GoFundMe)A carnival worker killed by a ride in Prince Rupert, B.C., last week is being remembered as an “incredible person” by his employer.Shooting Star Amusements has identified Robert James Nickerson of Halifax as the victim in the incident, which occurred Aug. 26.According to witness accounts, he was hit in the head by a ride known as the Zipper on the opening night of the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival, though details of what happened have not been shared by officials, as investigations are underway.In posts to his company’s social media pages, Shooting Star Amusements manager Justin Wagner called Nickerson “much more than an employee,” describing him as a dear friend.WATCH | Community mourns after carnival fatality: Community mourns worker killed at carnival in Prince Rupert, B.C.In Prince Rupert, B.C., an amusement park worker is dead after a celebratory night at the community’s annual summer carnival. The incident, which saw the worker being hit by a ride, was witnessed by people in line. As Brady Strachan reports, people in the North Coast community are coming together to reflect and heal.”With his big heart, unforgettable smile, and steady presence at the Ferris Wheel, Robert had a way of making everyone feel welcome,” he wrote in a post. “He loved his work and the people around him, and that joy was felt by every guest and coworker he met.”Wagner declined an interview with CBC News and said memorial arrangements are being made by family in Nova Scotia.Zipper shut downDespite the highly public nature of the incident, which resulted in a community memorial and healing ceremony in Prince Rupert, the government agencies tasked with investigating Wagner’s death have declined to provide even basic details of what is believed to have happened.RCMP simply said they had responded to a “report of an injured man” who was “later pronounced deceased” while directing all other questions to WorkSafeBC and the coroner.The Coroners Service said it is prevented from providing information due to legislation in the B.C. Coroner’s Act.WorkSafeBC also said it is unable to provide details of investigations that are underway.The Zipper ride at the Prince Rupert Summer Carnival is seen closed on Wednesday Aug. 27, 2025, after a man was found unconscious near the attraction on Tuesday and later pronounced dead, according to RCMP. (Sumi Ragu/CBC)Meanwhile, Technical Safety B.C. (TSBC), an independent agency that oversees the installation of technical systems and equipment in the province, including amusement park rides, has launched its own investigation in conjunction with the other agencies.”One of our safety officers immediately went to Prince Rupert,” said Kate Parker, TSBC’s vice-president of operations. She explained that while WorkSafeBC looks into the personnel involved in a workplace accident, TSBC’s focus is on whether the machinery was operating properly and whether those operating it had been properly trained.”Did the ride function the way it was supposed to, did areas break down?” she told CBC Radio West host Sarah Penton, describing Shooting Star Amusements as “really cooperative.”Inspections are carried out at the beginning of each season, she said, as well as after an incident occurs. She said Silver Star’s Zipper had been given approval for operation at the beginning of this year.She also said that both TSBC and Shooting Star have agreed that the ride should not run again until the investigation is complete due to the recent tragedy.”We will have to do a full review before that ride can be considered again, which will likely take some time,” she said. Silver Star cancelled its dates in Prince Rupert following the tragedy, but did run in neighbouring Terrace over the weekend. Its next scheduled date is in Hope, B.C., later this week.
‘Incredible person’: N.S. man killed by carnival ride remembered as investigation continues
