Overview
- Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said two unrelated men, one from Flagstaff and one from Canada, reported being hit by lightning near the summit late Wednesday morning.
- Aircraft were grounded by lightning, hail, heavy rain and fog, so SAR teams advanced from the Snowbowl trailhead using UTVs before continuing on foot.
- Rescuers reached one victim who had descended to about 10,650 feet; the second was located near the Humphreys–Agassiz saddle around 11,800 feet and required a litter carry-out with low-angle rope techniques.
- Both men were transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment and observation, and officials said they were alert with apparent burns; it remains unclear if the injuries were from a direct strike or ground current.
- During the operation, teams also found two teenage hikers who got lost after a reported bear encounter, and all four individuals were off the mountain by approximately 7 p.m.