Denver Hiker Killed in Plunge at Blodgett Peak
March 23--A Denver man died early Sunday after he fell while hiking on Blodgett Peak in northwest El Paso County, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said.
The man, whose name has not been released, was reported overdue around 4 p.m. on Saturday by concerned family members.
The man's family went to the trailhead parking lot, and when they saw his car but could not find him they called the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Firefighters called El Paso County Search and Rescue to assist them with what became a 12-hour search.
Around 3 a.m. rescue teams -- which included 36 responders from the Sheriff's Office along with firefighters -- found the man, who had fallen 60 to 100 feet.
He was unconscious but alive when rescuers reached him. The area's "terrain was extremely treacherous and difficult" and made getting the man to safety difficult, said Jackie Kirby, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office.
By the time crews got the man back to the parking lot, he had died of his injuries, Kirby said. An autopsy is pending from the El Paso County Coroner's Office, she said.
Prime hiking season in Colorado is a few months away, but spring warmth is catching up to some of Colorado's lower elevation trails.
Although lightning may not be a concern until July and August, there are plenty of hazards on trails for hikers.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department and the American Hiking Society offer some general safety tips as well as suggestions on what to do if you become lost or injured while hiking.
- Take a day pack even on the simplest of hikes. Include a light coat/layers for the ever-changing Colorado weather, a snack and plenty of water.
- Many people use their cellphones for fitness apps, GPS and music. Make sure the phone is fully charged in case you need to call 911; responders may need to talk to you for a long time.
- Picking the right pair of shoes for a hike can help make it more enjoyable. Pick a shoe with good traction, made for hiking.
- Stay on marked or improved trails. Don't walk off through unknown areas.
- Hike with a partner, and let someone know where you are going. Others can call for help. Tell someone where you will hike and when you expect to return.
- If you get lost, try to find landmarks. Don't wander aimlessly, particularly after dark. Focus on staying warm and signaling rescue efforts -- using fires, mirrors or bright clothing.
#csfd @epcsar @epcpio Update on Blodgett Peak rescue -- EPSAR and CSFD working closely on this rescue -- This rescue has cont thru the night
-- CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) March 22, 2015
Epcsar at Blodgett Peak with CSFD on an overdue hiker. We also just closed an overdue hiker call on Barr Trail.
-- epcsar (@epcsar) March 22, 2015
Disaster team providing food/coffee to search teams in Peregrine area west of #CoSprings. #EPSAR #RCDAR
-- Pikes Peak Red Cross (@PPRedCross) March 22, 2015
Copyright 2015 - The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
