06/16/2026
1911 Lakeside
In 1911, Lakeside Park constructed the Derby racing coaster. It cost $65,000 to build (roughly $2.4 million in today's dollars), and was believed to be the largest structure of its kind and was more than a mile in length.
Just a couple of weeks after the park officially opened for the season, on June 15th, 1911, the coaster had its first major accident when Mrs. E. Nist nearly fell from the coaster and was severely injured, leading some to speculate she would die.
As described in the Denver Post:
"Mrs. Nist, in company with her brother-in-law, Henry Colburn...entered one of the cars for the trip around the coaster. When the summit was reached and the car was rushing around the tracks at a terrific rate of speed, Mrs. Nist suddenly lurched forcibly in her seat and plunged over the side of the car. Just as her body cleared the side, Colburn reached frantically after the falling woman and succeeded in grasping her clothing securely enough to keep her suspended from the side of the flying car. Owing to the velocity which had been attained, it was impossible to make a stop for some time. Meantime, the dangling body of the unconscious Mrs. Nist was buffeted along the side of the track, striking her head and almost every portion of her body against the projecting rails with terrible force."
"When speed had been sufficiently reduced to allow the occupants of the car to draw the lacerated form into the car, it was found that Mr.s Nist had been practically scalped, one arm mangled, and back and limbs cut in numerous places...All efforts to restore her to consciousness failed until this morning, when she was partially roused from the comatose state."
Mrs. Nist was a widow, who had lost her husband sixth months prior, and her relatives tried their best to divert her mind from her sadness. "It is thought that the excitement of the trip on the derby racing coaster may have proved too much for Mrs. Nist's overwrought nerves, and that she involuntarily made the leap from the car."
No bones were broken in her body, and I have found no evidence that Mrs. Nist died from her injuries.
The Derby had at least two deaths on it, one of which I've posted in the past. It was torn down in 1937, and replaced with the existing Cyclone in 1940.
