Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

[madbuck]

Three mistakes
1. Didn't tell anyone he was going to hike Bison Peak.
2. Went alone in unfamiliar territory.
3. Went off trail due to panic of sudden change in weather.

Hoping to be sensitive but not too pedantic, but isn't the word "factors" (as opposed to determining "mistakes") generally used in incident reports? Many of us don't consider "Hiking alone" a mistake, but can be considered a contributing factor. Similarly, it sounds like the weather itself was a factor; and the steepness of the difficulty of the surrounding terrain when shelter was sought; but seeking off-trail shelter wouldn't necessarily be a mistake, either. It shows that multiple factors, including human and external ones, compound upon each other.

We're probably on the same page anyway, especially that leaving a note about your plans is always a good reminder; but plenty of us still choose to hike alone on occasion.

*

RIP, this sounds like a big loss to many people, as this gentleman sounds like an inspirational person.

[highpilgrim]

My condolences to friends and family...

We're probably on the same page anyway, especially that leaving a note about your plans is always a good reminder; but plenty of us still choose to hike alone on occasion.

Nothing wrong with hiking or climbing alone. Carry a beacon. Rescue or recovery will happen in days instead of weeks, or never.

[tenpins]

Three mistakes
1. Didn't tell anyone he was going to hike Bison Peak.
2. Went alone in unfamiliar territory.
3. Went off trail due to panic of sudden change in weather.

Hoping to be sensitive but not too pedantic, but isn't the word "factors" (as opposed to determining "mistakes") generally used in incident reports? Many of us don't consider "Hiking alone" a mistake, but can be considered a contributing factor. Similarly, it sounds like the weather itself was a factor; and the steepness of the difficulty of the surrounding terrain when shelter was sought; but seeking off-trail shelter wouldn't necessarily be a mistake, either. It shows that multiple factors, including human and external ones, compound upon each other.

We're probably on the same page anyway, especially that leaving a note about your plans is always a good reminder; but plenty of us still choose to hike alone on occasion.

*

RIP, this sounds like a big loss to many people, as this gentleman sounds like an inspirational person.

yes, the language used by someone formally trained as an investigator will be devoid of any blame words or anything suggesting conclusions. That is not the job of the investigator, but for "managment", because after all it will be they who decide what actions to do afterwards. So yeah, using the word "mistake" is a mistake. Not only does it try to persuade the audience that "aha! this is what happened", but it also by reason allows one or more people to ignore other contributing factors. It aint rocket science, but it is something one should have training on. Really all anyone can do is try and identify as many contributing factors as possible, address, correct and prevent as many as possible from recurring.

So going back to our 7th grade science classes; if "hiking alone" is the culprit, then hiking in groups will make one safe. Everyone can see how untrue that statement is as well. Wilderness medicine and PSAR programs are all about prevention! Once you get into a mess, have a little mishap, your day can get really bad, very quickly.

On that note, be safe out there.

[smrcka]

RIP Brother....

[timstich]

Tough recovery operation so far.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18733647" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jons]

I was out there Saturday morning and saw more than I wanted to see...

For good reason please be safe and remember all those volunteers and folks who risk life and limb to recover or rescue others. They are heros! I have the most respect for those hard working folks.

[Uffda]

Park County Sheriff calls off recovery operation:

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18741060

[rking007]

Hmm, I guess I'm confused... does that mean it's gonna turn into some strange Stand by Me thing? Will they return with a different plan to retrieve the body? What about the family? Or did I miss something in the article...

[mountainmanny]

This sounds crazy!

Being a former Park County Resident of many years and also following the many blunders of Park County Law Enforcement...I would "reckon" they are missing a step or 2 in the process.....I would guess more could be done! much more extreme rescues and recoveries have been Successfully mounted many a time.

[madbuck]

This article has more details on the remoteness of the terrain:
http://theflume.com/main.asp?SectionID= ... cleID=8363" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And there is a reference to a similar problem with an abandoned recovery effort 30 years ago in the caves in this area, also referenced here:
http://www.cavesr4all.com/Cave_Pictures ... range.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm willing to trust Park County SAR's call on this and appreciate their efforts. One can only imagine the family feeling even worse if something happened to one of the rescuers.

[mountainmanny]

anyone have any pics of the cave(s)?

i have never been into this system but I would definitely give it a go.

[Derek]

Based on reports of where the recovery attempts took place:

Being a Lost Creek nut, rough bushwhacking is all part of the game. This area, however, is a whole different league. I have had one "trip" off trail along that area, and its about as difficult an area as you will find in Colorado. The massive boulders, creeks, cracks and caves all on VERY steep terrain over the main creek. Make me completely understand the difficulties that they faced. This wasnt a normal above 12K/treeline recovery.

I feel for the family, and have a great amount of respect for the searchers working to make the recovery. Very sad.

RIP.

--Derek