News Release

Incident On Hallett Peak In Rocky Mountain National Park

Hoist operation on Hallett Peak.

Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park

News Release Date: August 30, 2019

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

Contact: Park Information, [phone]

Early this morning, August 30, park rangers were notified that a 63-year-old man from Boulder, Colorado had taken a 15-20 foot roped fall while climbing the Englishman’s Route on Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. The man was approximately four pitches up the route when the fall occurred. He received numerous serious injuries. The man was lowered to the ground by his climbing partner and two bystanders. He received advanced medical care from Rocky Mountain National Park paramedics while awaiting the hoist. 

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 12:50 p.m.  Alpine Rescue Team assisted with the helicopter hoist operations.  The man was flown to Upper Beaver Meadows, transferred to a Flight For Life air ambulance and then flown to St. Anthony Hospital.