Falling Fatality In Rocky Mountain National Park

You are viewing ARCHIVED content

This content was published online before January 20, 2025. Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. For current information, visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/index.htm.

News Release Date: August 22, 2013
Contact: Kyle Patterson, (970) 586-1363

Park rangers were notified today around 12:30 p.m. via cell phone that a 22-year-old male had fallen 30 feet while climbing Batman Pinnacle on Lumpy Ridge, a popular rock climbing area within the park. Minutes later people on scene started CPR on the victim. He did not recover.      

His body is located approximately 2 miles from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead in steep, rugged terrain with loose rock and scree. Since the incident, numerous severe thunderstorms have moved through the area with intense lightning and heavy rain causing wet, slick rocks.  Due to the current conditions and location of the man's body, recovery efforts will take place tomorrow, weather permitting. Rangers will remain on scene overnight.       

The approach to Batman Pinnacle and Lightning Rock formations are closed until recovery efforts are complete.            

The man is from New Jersey but was currently living in Fort Collins.   His body will be transferred to the Larimer County Coroner's Office.  His name will not be released until next of kin are notified. No further information is available. 

RSS Feed | What is RSS?

Last updated: February 24, 2015

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round. During summer, the office is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily. During the winter season, the office is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday - Friday, and from 8 am to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. For information on Trail Ridge Road, the recorded Trail Ridge Road status line is available 24 hours a day: (970) 586-1222.

Contact Us