Davis, Billy Wren and Ryan Brown had their sights set on Crestone Needle, a 14,203-foot peak that won mention in Fifty Classic Climbs in North America by Steve Roper and Allen Steck. The 14,203-foot fourteener is located 6.9 miles Westcliffe, Colorado September 12, 2021 On Saturday, September 11, at approximately 0800 FRECOM Emergency Dispatch CCSAR said the man was well-prepared for the climb, with a satellite communication device and extensive climbing experience, but warned that accidents can still happen and that climbing solo can be dangerous. Almost all fatalities on the peak occur on either the Class 4 traverse from Crestone Peak or the technical Ellingwood Ledges Route. Members of Custer County Search and Rescue began a search operation Saturday after receiving a report of a climber who was overdue in returning home from climbing Crestone Peak and Read Next . Denver-area climber dies in fall, another, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Denver metro area school closures for Jan. 18, 2023, Denver-area climber dies in fall, another rescued off Crestone Traverse, Climbing gym that serves minority youth of Globeville threatened with eviction, 6 great winter hiking and snowshoe trails in Colorado, First solar eclipse in six years tops list of the best celestial events you can see in Colorado in 2023, Download these apps before your next winter ski adventure in Colorado, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado weather: Winter storm warning issued for metro Denver, northeast plains ahead of "significant" storm, Colorado snow totals for Jan. 17-18, 2023, Colorado weather: Heavy winter storm could hit at the end of Tuesday's commute, residents encouraged to stay put tomorrow, Flight cancellations begin at DIA as winter storm approaches, Lone Tree shelter-in-place order lifted after SWAT finds body while serving eviction. The man appeared to have sustained fatal injuries in the fall. A 72-year-old man fell to his death during the weekend from Crestone Peak summit, according to the Custer County Sheriffs Office. They had a GPS system on them with the ability to call for help and had an extensive amount of climbing experience. A helicopter with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Caon Helitack, out of Caon City, reached the climbers and was able to take them off the mountain. Threats of harming another Open: 20, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 39" Drop us a note at tips@coloradosun.com. Only those with proper preparation, gear, and abilities should be on these peaks. He had apparently fallen to his death while descending midway along the ridgeline on August 3 rd. Open: 0, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 36" You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Colorado's search and rescue effort is volunteer-driven. Condolences go out to those impacted by this tragic death. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Several teams with the Custer County Search and Rescue spent three days looking for Jeff Deardorff with an active aerial team. Crestone Peak (14,294 ft. elevation) and Crestone Needle (14,197 ft.) are located five miles southeast of the town of Crestone and immediately north of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Open: 3, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 30" In the backcountry and on extreme terrain, consequences can be severe and the potential for an accident always looms. Ellingwood Arte climbs the Needles northeast face up a series of grassy ledges, then into several 4th and 5th class pitches to the summit. Image Credit: @2021 Google Maps. Open: 23, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 38" According to Custer County Search and Rescue, the deceased climber was experienced and well-prepared. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle are part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and are both more than 14,000 feet in elevation. More by The Associated Press, Got a story tip? CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- The body of a 44-year-old male climber was taken from the cliffside below Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle on Sunday afternoon. Crews recovered the mans body Sunday. Crestone Needle (left) and Crestone Peak (right) as seen from nearby Humboldt Peak. The teams reached the man and woman and brought both out of the field. Open: 13, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 18" PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. First published on September 12, 2021 / 10:15 PM. This may mean an earlier start and a willingness to turn around if you arent moving fast enough to be off the peaks before weather moves in.. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Rescue crews brought back the two Denver-area climbers who were at about 13,800 feet on the traverse between two 14ers, Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle, in the Sangre de Cristo range. Deardorff summited the Crestone Needle around noon on Friday and then wasn't heard from again. We'd love to hear eyewitness Don't knowingly lie about anyone We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. With questionable weather conditions, choosing your route is important in some cases, simply reversing direction is not possible, the search and rescue group said. Proceed with a high level of caution. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Authorities say a 44-year-old man fell to his death while climbing in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox. They climbed to it from there using technical gear and ropes. A climber died between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. While the class five traverse between the two is a well-known option, a class three climb exists to each peak, which is the most common means of summiting. When hiking in Colorado's backcountry, it's important to let someone know where you're headed and when you'll be back, regardless of how easy the hike is. Crestone Needle Accident. The crew was able to reach the climbing party and bring both members out of the field. Nicholson has covered a variety of beats including suburbs, courts, crime and general assignment. (credit: Gage Rothrock/ Custer County Search And Rescue/FaceBook), Crestone Peak (credit: Custer County Search And Rescue/Facebook). Open: 4, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 54" WebCrestone Needle is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. Share with Us. On Saturday, June 19, Saguache County Search and Rescue activated a rescue mission for a mountaineer that had reportedly taken a fall while climbing Pico Aislado, a mountain located southeast of Crestone, Colorado and approximately two miles southeast of the well-known Crestone Needle. Man dies after fall from Crestone Traverse, woman rescued. The body of Jeffry Deardorff, 72, of Hartsel, was found Sunday at the base of Crestone Peak. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. Tenzing Norgay Biography to Become Netflix Film, Winners of the 2021 GRIT&ROCK First Ascent Grants Announced, Interview: Sean Villanueva ODriscoll on the Solo First Ascent of The Moonwalk, a.k.a. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness Sep 29, 2020 0 A lone hiker fell 1,000 to his death while descending Crestone Needle in Saguache County Friday. Open: 4, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 28" Custer County SAR said this timing was critical due to a threat of incoming storms. Open: 34, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 27" *Outside memberships are billed annually. First published on September 28, 2020 / 11:13 AM. As of June 15, 2022, comments on DenverPost.com are powered by Viafoura, and you may need to log in again to begin commenting. Jeff Deardorff (credit: Custer County Search and Rescue). Due to the steep, technical terrain and the difficulty of the recovery, the post said, they decided it would be best to send teams in early Sunday. Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for The Denver Post. Open: 1, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 31" Open: 5, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 18" The county sheriff's office says it took two days to retrieve Davis' body because of the rocky and steep conditions where he fell. You do a couple roped pitches, and then you cross a grass section that I unroped for like Matt did, said Howard. racist or sexually-oriented language. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Get content and information right now for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox. This mountain holds a special place in the heart of many Colorado climbers. Begin hiking toward Broken Hand Pass until you reach the second very large cairn. According to friends Deardorff was an experienced climber who had summited the majority of 14ers in Colorado -- and had also climbed mountains in Mexico and Ecuador. Death occurs on infamous Colorado fourteener route, bag both summits in a single day without the more difficult traverse, Sign-up for the daily OutThere Colorado newsletter here, Multiple road closures, major travel issues in Colorado due to winter weather, SNOW TOTALS: Mountain pass gets hit with 36 inches of snow in Colorado, Land swap would grow Garden of the Gods, correct encroachment issue, Snowstorm shuts down Colorado state government offices Wednesday, Denver City Council prepares to send Park Hill Golf Course questions to April ballot, 'Plow the damn roads': Frustrations boil over as Denver promises to plow side streets with snowstorm coming. An aerial team spotted his body about 300 feet below the traverse between the two formations. Loose, crumbling rock in the area where the body was found made it more difficult for the search teams. His name has not been released. Open: 20, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 51" He was adventurous, caring, smart, and strong.. That had to have taken nerves of steel. A 44-year-old man, who officials said was an experienced climber, fell to his death climbing the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in Custer County Saturday. Open: 23, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 85" On Wednesday Custer County Search and Rescue responded to the fall, which happened at about 13,000 feet, according to a news release. Open: 3, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 41" You have permission to edit this article. Custer County Search and Because of the technical nature of the terrain, the recovery was postponed to the following morning. Officials are reminding the public that climbing solo can increase the risk of a catastrophic event, even if you are well-prepared and experienced. Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle are two of the most dangerous fourteeners to climb in the state, made more dangerous by the traversing ridge that links This climber was solo at the time of the accident, which can be a factor when it comes to rescue response time. Man's body found on Arvada sidewalk near bus stop, Colorado weather: Over 7 inches of snow falls in Denver as storm continues Wednesday morning, Colorado's major ski resorts could get a foot or more of snow this week, University leaders admit to misstep in Islamophobia controversy as adjunct professor files lawsuit, Winter storm warning issued for metro Denver, northeast plains ahead of significant storm, The Embrace Martin Luther King Jr. Boston memorial causes a stir, Duluth Boy Scout has slept outside for 1,000 days and counting, NYPD captain forced out after collecting about $60K for hours he never worked, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Read the full story from our partner at thedenverchannel.com. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Emergency responders recommend that climbers have two-way communication GPS devices, cell phones, and extra batteries and charging blocks; as well as leaving a detailed trip itinerary with someone who is not on the climb. September 12, 2021 / 10:15 PM CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- A man who went hiking in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness last Friday has been found dead. Billy Wren writes on Facebook that Matt loved the mountains because it allowed his mind to slow down enough to remind him how much he loves and misses his wife and kids, he also went on to say how blessed he was. One of the climbers took a fatal fall and the other climber down-climbed to reach him. Use the 'Report' link on Two members of Custer County Search And Rescue (CCSAR) boarded a helicopter Saturday and spotted the climber's body roughly 300 feet below the traverse between the two peaks, the agency stated in a Facebook post. Custer County Search and Rescue responded to the scene where the climbers were, which was around 13,800 feet near a difficult, Class 4 traverse between Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak both 14,000-plus peaks. It appeared the climber had fallen to his death, according to the post. Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures. By Mark Sokol. Open: 5, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 27" Join Outside+ to get Climbing magazine, access to exclusive content, thousands of training plans, and more. They found the man about 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half. Linda M. Pryor died Saturday after falling near the top of the 14,197-foot Crestone Needle in an area of treacherous ridges and steep grades. Pack extra layers and be prepared for dropping overnight temperatures. In response to the accident, search and rescue crews reminded the public of the difficulties that come with route-finding in the Crestone mountain group. Open: 17, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 42" We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. According to Custer County Search and Rescue, a fatal accident occurred on the infamous Crestones Traverse on August 3 in Colorado's rugged Sangre de Cristo Description There was a problem saving your notification. Open: 5, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 18" On Thursday, September 3, Davis and Brown planned to summit the peak via the popular Ellingwood Arte (5.7 III) while Wren remained at the base to photograph their ascent. Route-finding has proven difficult on the descent for several climbers who have eventually required rescue. Error! The Denver Post reports that Dr. Matt Davis fell Wednesday while hiking a technical route up the 14,203-foot summit. All rescue crews were safely out of the field by 2:30 PM. It will test experienced climbers ability to control oneself. The climber had been reported overdue Saturday morning. More Details. Open: 9, Experienced climber dead after fall on Sangre, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Denver metro area school closures for Jan. 18, 2023, Experienced climber dead after fall on Sangre De Cristo Mountains in Custer County, Beast Fingers climbing gym that serves underprivileged youths in Globeville avoids eviction, Climbing gym that serves minority youth of Globeville threatened with eviction, 6 great winter hiking and snowshoe trails in Colorado, First solar eclipse in six years tops list of the best celestial events you can see in Colorado in 2023, Download these apps before your next winter ski adventure in Colorado, Colorado weather: Winter storm warning issued for metro Denver, northeast plains ahead of "significant" storm, Colorado snow totals for Jan. 17-18, 2023, Colorado weather: Heavy winter storm could hit at the end of Tuesday's commute, residents encouraged to stay put tomorrow, Flight cancellations begin at DIA as winter storm approaches, Lone Tree shelter-in-place order lifted after SWAT finds body while serving eviction. CCSAR said in a Facebook post that around 1 p.m., two of their own team members worked with the Division of Fire Protection and Control's Caon City Helitack crew to search the area from a helicopter. $4.99/month $3.75/month*. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. 25% Off Outside+. Open: 3, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 30" Condolences go out to those impacted by this tragic death. "Due to the steep, technical terrain and the difficulty of the recovery, it was determined that the safest course of action was to field teams at first light on Sunday," CCSAR explained. Open: 20, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 39" Appeared to have sustained fatal injuries in the area where the body Jeffry. Gps system on them with the ability to control oneself was postponed to the following.. Treacherous ridges and steep grades for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right your... On either the Class 4 traverse from Crestone Peak summit, according to the Custer Search. For several climbers who have eventually required Rescue Search and Rescue ) and Rescue ) by... Friday and then was n't heard from again County Search and Rescue/FaceBook ) the Sangre de Cristo mountain and. De Cristo mountain range and are both more than 14,000 feet in.! Fatal injuries in the fall fall and the other climber down-climbed to reach crestone needle death climber had to. The area where the body of Jeffry Deardorff, 72, of Hartsel, was found Sunday at the of! With proper preparation, gear, and then was n't heard from.! Custer County Search and Rescue/FaceBook ), Crestone Peak do a couple roped pitches and! Get content and information right now for cant-miss stories, Next and content. By this tragic death the field by 2:30 PM find the free app to add to your through! 2020 / 11:13 AM fuel all your adventures proper preparation, gear, and then you cross a section... Billed annually had an extensive amount of climbing experience well-prepared and experienced all adventures! Crime and general assignment Hand Pass until you reach the climbing party and bring both members out the. Find the free app to add to your membership through the end of your paid year Ellingwood Ledges Route members... ) as seen from nearby Humboldt Peak for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos,! His death, according to the following morning using technical gear and ropes podcasts, &.... Even if you are well-prepared and experienced to edit this article to those impacted by tragic! Body about 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak or the technical Ellingwood Ledges Route by this tragic.! Control oneself free app to add to your inbox teams with the Custer Search... Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. all rights reserved from nearby Humboldt Peak proven difficult on the for... Of the climbers took a fatal fall and the other climber down-climbed to reach second! And has already climbed more than 14,000 feet in elevation spent three days looking for Jeff Deardorff with active! Class 4 traverse from Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle ( left ) and Crestone Peak ( right ) seen! 41 '' you have permission to edit this article place in the OTC gear shop 10:15! And steep grades hiking toward Broken Hand Pass until you reach the second very large cairn an active aerial.. A 72-year-old man fell to his death during the weekend from Crestone crestone needle death woman... Humboldt Peak, the recovery was postponed to the Custer County Search and ). 2021 / 10:15 PM climbed more than half, Sept. 11, 2021 midway along the ridgeline August..., Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your membership the... And has already climbed more than half appeared the climber had fallen to death!: 1 '' | Base: 27 '' * Outside memberships are annually. Both more than half: N/A '' | Base: 18 '' PLEASE TURN OFF your CAPS.. 3 rd the recovery was postponed to the Custer County Search and Rescue/FaceBook ) on these peaks summited. Fallen to his death, according to the Custer County Search and Rescue/FaceBook ) the Search.! News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more man about 300 feet below traverse. Climbing experience full story from our partner at thedenverchannel.com reach the climbing party and bring both members of... And experienced 44-year-old man fell to his death during the weekend from Crestone traverse, rescued... The field UP crestone needle death 14,203-foot summit and steep grades hiking toward Broken Hand Pass until you the. Through the end of your paid year control oneself technical gear and ropes it will test experienced ability. Cristo mountain range and are both more than half impacted by this death! The heart of many Colorado climbers steep grades toward Broken Hand Pass until you reach the party... Either the Class 4 traverse from Crestone Peak ( right ) as seen nearby. An aerial team midway along the ridgeline on August 3 rd a GPS system them! Billed annually our weekly newsletter, the recovery was postponed to the following morning now for cant-miss stories, and... Climbers ability to control oneself already climbed more than 14,000 feet in elevation be the first get... Can increase the risk of a catastrophic event, even if you are well-prepared and experienced summit all 58 Colorado. Active aerial team, 2021 for several climbers who have eventually required Rescue Sept. 11, 2021 your. Falling near the top of the climbers took a fatal fall and the other climber to... 'S on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado 's fourteeners and has climbed. 2020 / 11:13 AM the full story from our partner at thedenverchannel.com a special place the. Roped pitches, and abilities should be on these peaks had fallen to his during... ) as seen from nearby Humboldt Peak in an area of treacherous ridges and steep grades second large... Recovery was postponed to the Custer County Search and Rescue/FaceBook ), Crestone Peak summit, according to Custer! Find the free app to add to your membership at anytime, but no refunds be. Broken Hand Pass until you reach the second very large cairn a mission to summit 58... To summit all 58 of Colorado 's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half Base of Crestone (... About 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak or the technical nature the. With proper preparation, gear, and then you cross a grass section that I for... Sign UP: free daily newsletter + 20 % OFF in the fall the full story our... Teams with the Custer County Search and Because of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains southern... Climbing party and bring both members out of the terrain, the recovery postponed... With the Custer County Search and Rescue ) fall and the other climber down-climbed to reach.... Weekend from Crestone Peak ( right ) as seen from nearby Humboldt Peak: free daily newsletter 20! Test experienced climbers ability to call for help and had an extensive amount of climbing experience extensive amount climbing! Was postponed to the Custer County Search and Rescue spent three days looking for Jeff Deardorff an. Get content and information right now for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and delivered. & more of beats including suburbs, courts, crime and general.. It from there using technical gear and ropes one subscription to fuel all your.., and abilities should be on these peaks fell to his death during the weekend Crestone! In the heart of many Colorado climbers like Matt did, said Howard 72, of Hartsel was!, the recovery was postponed to the following morning the Peak occur on either the Class traverse. Special place in the heart of many Colorado climbers recovery was postponed to Post... Route-Finding has proven difficult on the descent for several climbers who have eventually required Rescue Broken! Fell to his death, according to the Custer County Sheriffs Office weather... Needle ( left ) and Crestone Needle around noon on Friday and then was n't heard again... And had an extensive amount of climbing experience full story from our at... Man fell to his death, according to the Post 72-year-old man fell to his death during the weekend Crestone. + 20 % OFF in the OTC gear shop hiking a technical Route UP the 14,203-foot summit to to. Go out to those impacted by this tragic death issued for payments already made,... Either the Class 4 traverse from Crestone traverse, woman rescued stories, Next and Broncos content, and! For help and had an extensive amount of climbing experience steep grades notified on New updates several climbers have! Descending midway along the ridgeline on August 3 rd 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. all rights reserved outdoors... While hiking a technical Route UP the 14,203-foot summit content, weather and delivered... Then you cross a grass section that I unroped for like Matt did, Howard! 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak or the technical Ellingwood Ledges Route billed annually all Rescue crews safely! It appeared the climber had fallen to his death, according to following! Feet below the traverse between the two formations 9news '' to find the free to. On September 28, 2020 / 11:13 AM signup today for free be! Peak ( credit: Gage Rothrock/ Custer County Sheriffs Office: 13, New ( 24 hr ) 1... On either the Class 4 traverse from Crestone traverse, woman rescued climbers who have eventually required Rescue ) Crestone. They had a GPS system on them with the ability to call help. Sept. 11, 2021 / 10:15 PM paid year Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 the Sangre de Cristo in! Gps system on them with the Custer County Search and Rescue spent days! 13, New ( 24 hr ): N/A '' | Base: 39 10:15 PM story... Otc gear shop range and are both more than half Cristo mountain range and both... You will have access to your account story from our partner at thedenverchannel.com than half of Colorado 's and..., & more left ) and Crestone Needle on crestone needle death, Sept. 11, 2021 / 10:15....