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Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:31 am
by CCSARCAP
Custer County has begun a search for two overdue climbers in the Ellington Arete area who climbed there either Wednesday or Thursday. A male and female both in their 50's. If you were in the area on either of those days and saw or spoke to them please call us at 719-783-0442.
Thank You
CCSARCAP
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 5:15 am
by Doug Shaw
A member of Douglas was planning to climb the Arete this weekend. I sent him a text with this info as a heads up, but don't know if he has his phone.
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 1:55 pm
by tmathews
Bad news...
http://www.39online.com/news/sns-ap-co- ... 9954.story
WESTCLIFFE, Colo. (AP) — A husband and wife from Texas have been found dead after they went missing on a camping trip in Custer County.
The unidentified couple was found dead Sunday afternoon, apparent victims of a climbing fall.
Bob Pruiksma (PROO-iks-ma), captain of Custer County Search & Rescue, says the couple appeared to have been dead "several days." The couple's son reported them missing Saturday after they failed to return from a camping trip near Crestone Needle.
RIP
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:02 pm
by Doctor No
That stinks - RIP.
Seems to be a lot of these this summer. More accidents, or more media coverage?
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:06 pm
by sunny1
Ugh. It's very hard to hear about another fatal accident.
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:28 pm
by 54summits
It's always hard to read about deaths in the mountains, but for some reason it's just additionally saddening to me when I hear that it was a husband/wife team
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased.
-54s
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 3:07 pm
by kaiman
CCSARCAP wrote:Custer County has begun a search for two overdue climbers in the Ellington Arete area who climbed there either Wednesday or Thursday. A male and female both in their 50's. If you were in the area on either of those days and saw or spoke to them please call us at 719-783-0442.
Thank You
CCSARCAP
Any info on the cause of their deaths? I assume they fell while climbing the Ellingwood Arete (not the Ellington Arete as stated by the OP)?
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 3:25 pm
by Doug Shaw
kaiman wrote:Any info on the cause of their deaths? I assume they fell while climbing the Ellingwood Arete (not the Ellington Arete as stated by the OP)?
At this point it's like the OP is still involved in the recovery effort. Be patient; details will likely come out.
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 4:18 pm
by CCSARCAP
Yes, Ellingwood Arete--Not Ellington.
Both bodies have been recovered and taken out via FFL Lifeguard 4. Teams are leaving the upper lot and should be back in a couple of hours. Lots of damage on the approaches to Arete and Brokenhand Pass due to heavy rainfall. Team members haven't seen this in years. Mud is several feet deep in areas. We hooked up with members of Douglas County mid morning.
CCSARCAP
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 4:31 pm
by tmathews
CCSARCAP wrote:Both bodies have been recovered and taken out via FFL Lifeguard 4. Teams are leaving the upper lot and should be back in a couple of hours. Lots of damage on the approaches to Arete and Brokenhand Pass due to heavy rainfall. Team members haven't seen this in years. Mud is several feet deep in areas. We hooked up with members of Douglas County mid morning.
CCSARCAP
Thanks for the updates, Bob. Most importantly -- thank you and CCSAR for the service that you continue to provide the mountaineering community.
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 4:35 pm
by MountainHiker
Terrible news. My thoughts are with their loved ones.
Re: Overdue Climbers
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 4:37 pm
by Doctor No
tmathews wrote:Thanks for the updates, Bob. Most importantly -- thank you and CCSAR for the service that you continue to provide the mountaineering community.
Agreed - you guys don't get nearly the admiration which you deserve. Prayers for the families of those who didn't make it.