Threads related to Colorado mountaineering accidents but please keep it civil and respectful. Friends and relatives of fallen climbers will be reading these posts.
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Please be respectful when posting - family and friends of fallen climbers might be reading this forum.
"Chemical bathrooms at the campground were checked as a possible source of sulfur or methane gas."
They beat me to it.
Sidenote, the missing hiker family is accepting volunteer searchers, if anyone is out in that area.
After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. -Nelson Mandela
Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called Ego. -Nietzsche
Boggy B wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 5:10 pm
Too bad they didn't rule out that highly unlikely lead immediately.
You’re right. I wrongly assumed they thoroughly vetted the witness to verify the sighting. I’m astonished this case of mistaken identity wasn’t snuffed out immediately. It’s unfortunate. Really hope they focus on the right area and locate him. 2 people missing in the (relatively) small La Platas in less than a year is as tragic as it is improbable.
Traveling light is the only way to fly.
IG: @colorado_invasive
Strava: Brent Herring
Boggy B wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 9:07 pm
Same, just wondered if it was attention-seeking bozos swearing they'd seen the guy. What a waste of resources during critical search hours.
I guess I would encourage saying something over nothing. All information might become more valuable once consolidated. How did you determine they were attention seeking bozos?
"Quicker than I can tell it, my hands failed to hold, my feet slipped, and down I went with almost an arrow’s rapidity. An eternity of thought, of life, of death, wife, and home concentrated on my mind in those two seconds. Fortunately for me, I threw my right arm around a projecting boulder which stood above the icy plain some two or three feet." Rev. Elijah Lamb
Absolutely, say something over nothing. It's on the authorities to properly vet sightings (especially one so improbable).
It's also on the persons reporting to act in good faith. As it turns out he wasn't a match for height, clothing, or tattoos.
To everyone that has been following and commenting....there are some important details that I'd like to clarify....
1) he was not seen in la plata canyon....this was ruled out to be him
2) yes, he is epileptic .....he had some meds with him but we think he got separated from his pack because he hasn't used his InReach or cell phone.
3) he had fully charged InReach and cell phone but keeps them off while he's running to conserve battery.
4) he was training for an ultamarathon....100miles.
5) he wouldn't have run away or done this on purpose.... He is in trouble and needs our help
Drowned in the West Mancos River??? I’ve never seen the Mancos River below the confluence of the east and west more than knee deep. Though it was a decent snow year and when he disappeared in June would have been runoff. Crazy stuff.
The article doesn't say which part of the West Mancos, but as mentioned earlier we found the crossing of the South Fork alone to be dicey in spring. We did those peaks the same day (6/24) years ago and the crossing in Owens Basin was really heads up, like if you fell in getting out would be a battle.
Closure is good, but what a sad outcome. Our condolences to his family and friends.
The East and West Mancos Rivers were high and flowing fast this past June. We had a cool spring and once summer hit all the snowmelt happened quickly. And there are plenty of large boulders and downed trees in the river to get caught under. One slip trying to cross in icy cold water would be tough for anyone to self-rescue. He may also have broken through a snow bridge that looked solid.
Condolences to the family and friends of Ian. I hope they can find peace.
