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Chris Pruchnic, an experienced Denver climber, died on Saturday, Nov. 20th from a fall while leading the climb "All Mixed Up" on the east face of Thatchtop Mountain.
Rocky Mountain National Park officials were notified via cell phone at approx. 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 20th of a climbing related fatality in the park. Chris was climbing with a partner who was uninjured and was able to initiate communication of the accident.
This climb on Thatchtop Mountain is located about 1 hr. above Mills Lake, high on the east face of Thatchtop. Due to the remote location, difficult terrain, limited daylight hours and weather conditions, it was determined that the body recovery operations would begin on Sunday morning the 21st.
At approximately 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, a park technical rescue team left the Glacier Gorge Trailhead en route to the scene of the accident. They reached Chris at 10:15 a.m. Additional teams involved consisted of park personnel assisted by members of Rocky Mountain Rescue and Larimer County Search and Rescue.
The base of the climb "All Mixed Up" is approximately 1,200 feet above Mills Lake on Thatchtop Mountain and is in very difficult and dangerous terrain. It is steep, with loose talus, ice, and unconsolidated snow. Winter storm conditions made the recovery of Chris even more challenging. The accident is under investigation.
Chris was a much beloved and respected individual who was a world adventurer, Section Chairman of the American Alpine Club, and friend and beloved to many. Thanks Chris for being an inspiration and may you rest in peace my friend.
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