Lost Hikers on Missouri

[Phill the Thrill]

My heart goes out to family and friends. God give you peace. What a terrible tragedy.

[MtHurd]

After a quiet start to the Fourteener climbing season in Colorado, a flurry of four deaths in a week has sobered up mountaineers. All the accidents occurred on relatively benign peaks--Mount Evans, Mount Princeton, and Missouri Mountain--unlike last year when most of the fatalities were on harder peaks. This could, however, be due to the heavy snowpack still on the Rockies.

It's premature to speculate what might have happened to the pair, although a lightning strike, hypothermia, or fall are all possible scenarios. Fred von Gortler, Mike's brother, said: "I cannot report yet on how they tragically died, but can assure all that both Mike and his daughter Makana loved high country wilderness hiking and had much experience. They always packed correctly and in were in good physical shape. Remember, danger of death is present in the simple act of taking a shower or driving to the store. Our family is deeply saddened by the loss, but at the wake/eulogy, we will rejoice in both of their contributions to our society, their love of nature, and both were bold enough to live life on their terms."

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[scottaskinger]

Very sad. Thanks for sharing this link @Barry Raven, informative regarding all of the recent tragedies. As a Chicagoan on vacation out here for 3 weeks this has REALLY opened my eyes and had led to me being extra cautious with route planning (not getting in over my shoes) and pre-climb preparation.

BTW, thanks so much to this whole community...it is amazing how helpful and informative everybody here is. I can't imagine climbing mountains in Colorado without 14ers.com.

[Shawnee Bob]

Man. Off to a rough start this summer. Bless those who have lost loved ones. Peace and safety to those in the high country now or will be in the future.

[Timmy]

Ligntning... There's no other explaination. Very sad

[DArcyS]

Ligntning... There's no other explaination. Very sad

You never know, as the weather was okay that day. They could have been on a talus slope that was unstable because of all the snow melt and they started a rock slide. There's another explanation too but not worth typing out. We'll just have to wait and see.

[coloradokevin]

Just saw the news on this one. Sad to see that this story had a tragic ending. I guess I was sort of expecting as much at this point, given the area and the time since they were last seen. I'll be interested to learn about what happened to them, but I agree that lightning or a fall seem like the only two realistic possibilities.

[KentonB]

It's just unbelievable all the recent losses... my thoughts and prayers are with the families/friends.

[San Juan Ron]

My condolences to the family! This is terrible news with 4 deaths in such a short period this year after all the tragic accidents last year.

I was out hiking in the San Juans yesterday and crossed several steep snow fields and snow slides and it really makes you think as you are going across the snow. I actually hiked down a gulch 300 feet and back up to avoid crossing a steep snow slide that I didn't feel comfortable crossing with only summer gear. Be safe! SJ Ron

[elkheart22]

So sad to hear, my condolences.

[phughes03]

Thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families.
Everyone please be safe this 4th!

[jimlup]

A sad result. While we don't know yet, I would remind everyone that it is a good idea to carry and axe when the snow conditions are like they are this season.