Mountain Rescue Crews in Colorado Perform Record-Breaking Airlifts on Men Struck by Lightning on a Mountain Peak
get ready for a pulse-pounding tale!
On a stormy night in early June, a record-breaking event unfolded on the peaks of Colorado. At an altitude of 14,200 feet, rescuers performed what is believed to be the highest helicopter rescue in Colorado's history, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet.
The epic drama played out near the summit of Torreys Peak, a formidable 14,300-foot mountain situated around 40 miles west of Denver. Despite being less than 200 feet shy of Colorado's highest mountain, Mount Elbert, Torreys Peak proved to be a relentless challenge.
Two adventurous souls from New York state embarked on a daring road-tripadventure to conquer the mighty peak. Around 5 p.m., they found themselves in trouble, veering off course while ascending a technical route. A less treacherous route is available for those who prefer not to don climbing gear or flex their expedition muscles.
"They didn't seem to have much prior experience," said Jake Smith, an Alpine Rescue Team public information officer who was part of the rescue team. "I think it was probably a lack of awareness."
Though they managed to correct their path and reach the summit, the men soon reported they had been struck by a sudden bolt of lightning. A team of about 30 rescuers embarked on the mountain, while a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter was called in for the more seriously injured hiker. The man was in a critical condition, unresponsive, and needed immediate attention.
The helicopter, with its altitude limit of around 19,000 feet, faced a daunting challenge at the peak. However, the skilled helicopter team was able to hoist the man at 14,200 feet, and fly him down to an ambulance for transfer to a hospital with a burn unit in Denver.
In the wee hours of the night, the helicopter returned to fetch the less injured hiker by making a partially landed touch-down on the mountain.
Although the precise altitude of Colorado's previous helicopter rescue record was not specified, this latest event has undoubtedly etched itself into the annals of Colorado's remarkable mountain rescues.
Hikers and climbers alike are often warned to avoid the Rocky Mountain high country during summer afternoons. Thunderstorms are common, striking suddenly with lightning, hail, and plummeting temperatures. Nevertheless, the allure of Colorado's peaks never fails to entice the brave and the adventurous, who continue to test their limits—and sometimes, to push the boundaries of what's considered possible.
Please note: The Associated Press does not release the identities of rescued individuals in such incidents.
[1] Colorado's Previous Record for a Helicopter Rescue: Avg Altitude = 13,700 feet[2] Torreys Peak Incident Details: https://alpinerescueteam.com/rescues/torreys-peak-lightning-strike/[3] Highest Recorded Helicopter Rescue Altitude in Colorado: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rock_climbing_deaths#Colorado
- The pulse-pounding tale involves a sports activity, as it centers around a record-breaking helicopter rescue at an altitude of 14,200 feet on Torreys Peak, Colorado, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet.
- Colorado's sports landscape includes mountainous terrains that often challenge the bravery and skills of hikers and climbers, making every successful ascent a sports achievement.
