Date: July 24, 2009

Contact: Kyle Patterson, 970-586-1363

This morning, a 64 year old male from Estes Park, Colorado, fell approximately 10 feet in the “Trough” area of Longs Peak.  He suffered a head laceration, an ankle injury, numerous abrasions and is complaining of back pain. A hiker reported this incident at noon to a park ranger who was on a backcountry patrol in the Boulderfield area of Longs Peak. The ranger reached the victim at 12:50 p.m. With assistance from the ranger, the patient was able to get to the “Ledges” which is at the base of the “Trough.”  Another park ranger reached the patient at 5:00 p.m. 

The patient, his friend, and two rangers reached the Agnes Vaille Shelter which is located at 13,150 feet, near the Keyhole, at around 6:00 p.m. A litter crew of park staff is making their way to the scene. The patient may be flown out tomorrow based on weather conditions and nightfall. The group will likely spend the night in the Boulderfield area at roughly 12,760 feet.  

To see recent photos of the “Trough” and the “Ledges” can be found on the park’s website, click here:

Update:
The patient was flown from the Boulderfield at approximately 7:30 p.m. and taken to Estes Park Medical Center.

A view of the Keyhole taken from the Boulderfield on Longs Peak, Colorado.