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Climber Dies in Fall on Colorado’s Citadel Peak as Partner Is Rescued

High winds forced abortive helicopter attempts, prompting a National Guard Black Hawk hoist after dark.

Overview

  • The surviving 29-year-old partner called for help around 2 p.m., and strong cell service helped rescuers pinpoint the pair.
  • Flight for Life helicopters made multiple approaches but were unable to land as winds increased on the steep, rocky peak.
  • A Colorado National Guard Black Hawk picked up Alpine Rescue Team members and lowered technicians to the climbers after nightfall.
  • Two rescuers reached the fallen man and found no signs of life, and another reached the woman who was stranded on a ridge in a precarious position.
  • The woman and the man's body were off the mountain by about 8 p.m., ground teams exited around 9 p.m., the man's identity remains unreleased, and the cause of the fall is still unknown.