Overview

• The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. on June 12 when two New Yorkers lost their way on a technical route just below Torreys Peak’s 14,300-foot summit and were struck by lightning
• Rescuers believe the 14,200-foot hoist marks Colorado’s highest-altitude helicopter rescue to date
• About 30 ground personnel and a Black Hawk conducted the first hoist for the nonresponsive climber in critical condition
• The helicopter returned around midnight to airlift the second hiker, who sustained less severe injuries, and that man has since been released
• One hiker remains hospitalized in fair condition at a Denver burn unit, and rescuers cited thin air at altitude and the pair’s limited experience as key complicating factors