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Two Hikers Struck by Lightning on Humphreys Peak as Ground Crews Execute Difficult Rescue

With aircraft grounded by severe weather, interagency teams used UTVs plus a litter carry to bring the men down for evaluation at Flagstaff Medical Center.

Overview

  • CCSO says the unrelated men, one from Flagstaff and one from Canada, reported being hit near the summit around 10:50 a.m. on Oct. 22.
  • Rescuers reached the first victim around 2:45 p.m. at about 10,650 feet; the second was found near the Humphreys–Agassiz saddle around 3:45 p.m. at roughly 11,800 feet.
  • The second hiker was carried out in a litter using low-angle rope techniques after steep terrain and injuries prevented him from hiking out.
  • Both hikers were alert with apparent burns and were transported for treatment, though officials said it is unclear whether the strikes were direct or from ground current.
  • During the operation, teams also located two teens who got lost after a reported bear encounter, escorted them by UTV, and reunited them with their parents.