A woman died early Monday after a fall Sunday at the SteelStacks ice rink in Bethlehem, according to authorities.
Maria Luisa Jimenez, 63, of Costa Rica was pronounced dead about 1:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio said.
Jimenez fell backward while ice skating and hit her head on the ice, according to Buglio. The cause of death was a closed head injury because of a fall, with the manner accidental, Buglio said.
The outdoor ice rink at SteelStacks on Bethlehem’s South Side is run by ArtsQuest from mid-November until this weekend. It has operated there the past few seasons.
Spokesperson Jennifer LoConte said Jimenez fell on the ice Sunday afternoon. City emergency services as well as ArtsQuest security responded to the scene, and Jimenez was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
“We are devastated that this incident occurred, and our hearts go out to Ms. Jimenez’s family, friends and loved ones,” LoConte said.
Every person who skates at the rink must wear a wristband that acknowledges the risks of injury or death while skating at the rink, according to the SteelStacks website.
