September 13, 2021
Westcliffe, Colorado – September 12, 2021 – On Saturday, September 11, at approximately 0800 FRECOM Emergency Dispatch received a call about a 44 yr old male climber who was overdue in returning from climbing Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. At approx. 1300 members of Division of Fire Protection and Control – Canon City Helitack (DFPC) and two Custer County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) team members conducted an aerial search via helicopter and spotted the subject roughly 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. It appeared as though the climber had fallen and sustained fatal injuries. Due to the steep, technical terrain and the difficulty of the recovery, it was determined that the safest course of action was to field teams at first light on Sunday, September 12.
On Sunday, September 12, four CCSAR Technical Rope Rescue team members were inserted via DFPC helicopter into the field to begin climbing to reach the subject. The terrain in this area has loose, crumbling rock which increased the difficulty for the search teams. The team reached the subject at approximately 1020. He was airlifted out to the Saguache County coroner. All teams were out of the field by 1430. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of this climber.
Custer County Search and Rescue would like to remind the public and recreational climbers that climbing solo can increase the risk of a catastrophic event. This climber was well-prepared, carried a Garmin inReach, and had extensive climbing experience. Even with the best preparation, accidents happen, and the consequences are much more severe when miles into the backcountry. We advise that you research your route, know your limits, and carry enough food, water and gear to spend an extra night out at elevation. For more information on climbing in this area, go to Custersar.org and click on Rescue Patterns. Stay safe out there.
Photo credit: Gage Rothrock
