Investigation Underway After Woman Falls 50 Feet to Her Death at Fort Worth Hydroelectric Plant
Fort Worth, TX – April 17, 2025
Authorities have launched an investigation following the tragic death of a woman who fell at least 50 feet down the shaft of an old hydroelectric plant in Fort Worth early Thursday morning. The Fort Worth Fire Department confirmed the incident and said emergency responders were called to the scene at around 6:00 AM after reports of a fall at the facility, which has been out of active operation for years but remains accessible to the public.
According to initial reports, the woman was found in critical condition after falling from a platform located near the upper portion of the hydroelectric plant. Despite life-saving efforts by paramedics on the scene, the woman was later pronounced dead.
While the identity of the woman has not yet been released, authorities have stated that they are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fall. Investigators from both the Fort Worth Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are examining the scene and reviewing any available security footage to determine how the accident occurred.
The hydroelectric plant, located along the Trinity River, was built in the early 20th century and decommissioned decades ago. It has been the subject of growing concern due to its deteriorating condition and lack of regular maintenance. Despite being a popular location for urban explorers and curious adventurers, the structure has no formal public access protocols, and signs warning of the hazards in the area are reportedly insufficient.
“This is a tragic event, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Fire Department spokesperson John D. Willis. “At this point, we are focused on determining exactly how this fall happened, but we urge people to stay away from dangerous and unstable structures, especially those in poor condition like the hydroelectric plant.”
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a loud crash shortly before emergency personnel arrived. Several people who had been in the area claimed to have seen the woman earlier, describing her as part of a group exploring the old plant. One person told local news outlets, “I saw her standing by one of the platforms near the edge, and the next thing I know, we heard the noise, and she was gone.”
The plant, which once served as a major power source for the region, has long since been inactive. Over the years, it has become an increasingly popular spot for thrill-seekers, photographers, and urban explorers, despite warnings about the dangers posed by the crumbling structure.
Several safety experts have raised concerns about the risks associated with exploring such derelict industrial sites. “Old factories, plants, and mills like this one can have unstable floors, open shafts, and decaying infrastructure,” explained Alex Ramirez, a safety consultant with a focus on abandoned industrial sites. “It’s very easy to underestimate the risks of such places, but once something like this happens, it’s clear that these types of locations are often more dangerous than they seem.”
The incident has prompted calls from local officials and community members to address the growing safety concerns at abandoned industrial sites across the city. “This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how hazardous these places can be,” said Fort Worth City Council member Angela Moore. “We need to make sure these locations are secured and that people understand the very real risks involved when they venture into these areas.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more information in the coming days. In the meantime, officials are urging the public to avoid the hydroelectric plant and similar abandoned sites until proper safety measures are put in place.
The death of the woman marks another chapter in the ongoing conversation about urban exploration and the dangers that can arise when people engage in risky behavior in unsafe environments. With safety concerns mounting, it is likely that this incident will lead to increased scrutiny of other abandoned structures around Fort Worth and may prompt the city to consider stronger safety protocols for such sites.
In a statement, the family of the deceased woman expressed their grief, calling for respect and privacy during this difficult time. “We are devastated by the loss of our loved one and ask that we be given the space to mourn,” the statement read. “We are hopeful that the investigation will help prevent such tragedies in the future.”
The Fort Worth Police Department and the Fire Department have pledged to continue their thorough investigation into the fall, and more updates are expected in the coming days as they work to piece together exactly what happened.
Stay tuned for further developments on this story.
