Probe Continues in Bungee Death

Faulty machinery may have played a part in the death of a former circus aerialist who plunged to her death while practicing for the Super Bowl halftime show.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Saturday that a broken or improperly used hoist appears to have caused the accident that killed 43-year-old Laura “Dinky” Patterson on Thursday night.

“They’re looking into whether the guy fed her down too fast or there was a problem with the hoist, or a little bit of both,” an investigator, who was not identified, told the newspaper.

Meanwhile, final preparations for today’s Super Bowl went on despite the police investigation.

“We have a lot of interviews and examination of equipment to do, but the crowds, the use of the Dome--none of that is delaying our investigation,” said Lt. Marlon Defillo, a police spokesman.

Defillo refused to comment about the report, saying it was too early to discuss a possible cause.

Patterson died instantly of a skull fracture and other head trauma when she plunged 100 feet from the Superdome roof to its floor. The Sarasota, Fla., woman was part of a 16-member team that included her husband and sister, who were supposed to jump during the climax of the halftime show.

The bungee-jumping was deleted from the show after Patterson’s death, and a brief memorial for her was added.

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The Packers said wide receiver Derrick Mayes, who suffered bruised ribs Wednesday and was listed as questionable, will be available for the game.