Family, friends mourn boy killed in zip line accident

REDMOND, Wash. — Friends and family of a 12-year-old boy who died when he got tangled in a zip line have set up a Facebook page for him, remembering Jackson Roos as an "amazing young man" with a "tender-hearted attitude."

Jackson accidentally hanged himself on a zip line at his home near Redmond on Wednesday, said King County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Cindi West.

Jackson's mother thought he was riding his bike around their home when she went to look for him. She found him hanging from the zip line, West said.

First responders attempted to revive Jackson, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, West said.

Investigators were examining how the boy got caught and on what, she said. They will look to see if his helmet's chin strap or the harness on the zip line played a role.

"We're not sure what he caught got on," West said. "At this point, it does appear to be an accident."

She said the zip line on the home's vast grounds in unincorporated King County is about 20 to 25 feet from the ground and about 100 feet long. It was professionally installed.

The zip line was removed from the home by detectives for the investigation.

At Evergreen Middle School, where Jackson attended seventh grade, grief counselors will be available to help Jackson's friends and teachers cope with the tragedy.

On the Facebook memorial page for Jackson, there are pictures of him playing baseball, waterskiing and enjoying the outdoors.

Friends, family and kids of all faiths are invited to Jackson's memorial  service.

The service will be held at Evergreen Middle School where they will honor Jackson at Hartman Park at  5:15 p.m. Monday.  That will be followed by a public viewing  at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, across the street from Hartman Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The school is asking for those attending to bring a candle.

Twelve balloons will be released to honor Jackson.

Instead of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Jackson Roos Memorial Fund at Banner Bank in Redmond.

KIRO