A hiker was rescued from a mountain in Colorado after apparently being left behind by his colleagues during an office retreat. According to the Chaffee County Search and Rescue team, the unnamed man got lost and found himself without cell phone service after his coworkers went ahead without him.
The man endured stormy weather and multiple falls before being found during a “large search effort” the next morning. He was stabilized and taken to a hospital, but there has been no further update on his condition.
Officials suggested the incident “might lead to some awkward encounters at the office in the coming days and weeks.” The drama unfolded on Friday when a group of 15 from the company, which has not been named, set out on a trail up Mt. Shavano, which stands at 14,000 feet.
In their statement, officials said the hiker was left to reach the summit on his own at around 11:30 AM local time. Evan Brady, the public information officer for Chaffee County Search and Rescue South, told The New York Times that the man had stopped for a break while his coworkers continued on the route. “He’s lucky to be alive,” Brady said. The man became disoriented on the descent, “finding belongings left in the boulder field to mark the descent by the previous group, which had been picked up as they hiked down.”
Concerned, he sent a location pin to his coworkers, who reportedly told him he was on the wrong route and suggested that he climb back up to the right trail. Shortly after sending a second message, a strong storm passed through the area, bringing “high winds and freezing rain,” which left him without cell service.
Chaffee County Search and Rescue received an alert at 9:00 PM that evening, dispatching two teams and a drone pilot who were thwarted by the bad weather.
A helicopter was also deployed, but despite tracking the man’s last known movements, rescuers were unable to find him due to his dark clothing. Extra help was called in from multiple agencies in neighboring areas on Saturday morning, resulting in what officials described as a “large search effort.” Eventually, the missing man recovered enough cell service to make an emergency call, and he was located in a gully.
He reported that he had fallen at least 20 times and was unable to get up. His rescue ultimately involved technical rope lowers and “phenomenal cooperation and teamwork,” officials added. Brady also told The New York Times that the suggestion the hiker had been abandoned by his coworkers was exaggerated.
The man’s health status remains unknown after being taken to the hospital. The BBC has contacted Chaffee County Search and Rescue for further comment. In their statement, they warned people never to hike alone and to pack bright clothing and essential supplies. “This hiker was phenomenally lucky to have regained cell service when he did, and to still have enough consciousness and awareness to call 911,” they said.
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Search and Rescue Efforts
Once it became clear that the hiker was missing, a search and rescue operation was quickly launched. Local authorities, along with specialized rescue teams, scoured the area for several hours. The teams faced challenging conditions, including severe weather and difficult terrain, but their diligent efforts eventually led to the hiker’s safe recovery.
Rescue Team’s Statement
In a statement, the search crew described the situation and the challenges they faced. “We received a call about a missing hiker who had been accidentally left behind by his group. Our team worked diligently through challenging conditions to locate and rescue him. Thankfully, we were able to bring him back safely,” said [Name/Title of Search Crew Member].
The Hiker’s Condition
Fortunately, the hiker was found in relatively good condition. While he was reportedly tired and somewhat disoriented, he did not suffer any serious injuries. The rescue team provided him with medical attention and ensured he was well enough to return home.
Workmates’ Reaction
The hiker’s coworkers have expressed deep remorse over the incident. They have apologized publicly, acknowledging their mistake and emphasizing their relief at the hiker’s safe return. They have also stated their intention to improve their safety protocols for future outings.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining clear communication and headcounts during group activities. Search and rescue teams have used this opportunity to remind outdoor enthusiasts of the importance of preparation, vigilance, and safety measures when embarking on hikes or other adventures.
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