News Release

Incident In The Loft Area Of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rescue operations in The Loft area.

Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park

News Release Date: July 27, 2019

Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer, [phone]

Contact: Park Information, [phone]

Early this morning, July 27, park rangers were notified that a 15-year-old male from Boulder, Colorado had taken a 300 to 400 foot sliding fall in The Loft area between Mount Meeker and Longs Peak. This is steep terrain covered with a mix of snow, water and rock. He received numerous injuries. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members reached him at approximately 9 a.m. They provided advanced medical care.  

Due to his location and injuries, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members requested assistance from a Colorado National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate him via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. This occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group of Boulder County assisted with the helicopter hoist operations. He was flown to Upper Beaver Meadows and was transferred to a Flight For Life air ambulance who then flew him to Children’s Hospital.