Child killed in ‘tragic accident’ involving Peloton treadmill
An accident on a Peloton treadmill proved fatal for a child, according to a letter about the Tread+ from Peloton CEO John Foley.
“I’m reaching out to you today because I recently learned about a tragic accident involving a child and the Tread+, resulting in, unthinkably, a death,” read the letter, published on Peloton’s support site.
“While we are aware of only a small handful of incidents involving the Tread+ where children have been hurt, each one is devastating to all of us at Peloton, and our hearts go out to the families involved,” wrote Foley.
Noting that the company’s exercise equipment is designed “with safety in mind,” Foley appealed to customers to help ensure their families stay safe particularly “during what I hope is the final stretch of the pandemic where everyone is still at home.”
Foley reminded customers of safety instructions for Tread+ owners, advising them to “keep children and pets away from Peloton exercise equipment at all times” and to ensure the space surrounding their Peloton equipment remains clear.
Customers were also advised to always remove the safety key and keep it where children, and others who shouldn’t use the treadmill, are unable to retrieve it.
Asked about the letter, Peloton told the Daily News: “There are no words to express the shock and sadness everyone at Peloton feels as a result of this terrible tragedy. Out of respect for the family and their privacy, we won’t be sharing any additional information.”
Treadmills were responsible for about 66% of injuries connected to exercise machines from 2007 to 2011, according to a 2014 study from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
That study found that 34% of injured children aged 4 and younger sustained lacerations while 48% suffered soft tissue wounds.
In the designated time period, 81.5% of exercise equipment-linked amputations and avulsions of fingers and hands occurred in children aged nine and under, with just over 73% connected to treadmills, according to the study.
Peloton, for its part, is determining how to “reinforce” its safety warnings “to hopefully prevent future accidents,” said Foley, also the company’s co-founder.
Additional information about the parties involved was not provided, with Foley citing “respect for these families and their privacy.”
The Peloton boss asked those with concerns or questions to reply to the email or call the company’s Member Support Team at 844-410-0141.
“We care deeply about your health and wellness… starting with your safety and the safety of your family,” Foley’s letter concluded.
The $4,295 Tread+ boasts a large screen, motorized belt, and is made in part of carbon steel and aluminum, CNN Business reports.