A tragic fall from a steep rock face in Jefferson County, Colorado, claimed a life on Wednesday, July 24, according to local officials.
The Elk Creek Fire Department responded around 11 a.m. to the area near Eagle Gate and Pine Valley roads after reports that an individual had fallen roughly 150 feet. The fall, which officials said included a significant free-fall, resulted in a fatality.
“It was a recovery, unfortunately, not a rescue,” Elk Creek Fire spokesperson Bethany Urban told the Denver Post, adding that the person’s identity and gender have not yet been released. Authorities are still investigating whether the fall occurred on private or public land and what the individual was doing at the time.
Elk Creek Fire crews carried out a high-angle rope recovery operation with help from Conifer Fire, Alpine Rescue Team, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
“We are deeply grateful for their assistance in such challenging conditions,” the department wrote on Facebook. “Our hearts are with the victim’s loved ones during this incredibly painful time.”
Photos from the scene showed rescuers navigating the steep terrain with ropes during the recovery effort. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details.
This incident follows another recent mountain emergency in Colorado, when a hiker fell nearly 200 feet on a snowfield near Saint Mary’s Glacier on July 23. That individual sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital, according to reports from KRDO and the Denver Gazette.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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