A climber was found dead in the Maroon Bells area in western Colorado on Thursday.
The climber was reported missing Wednesday, according to a Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office release. Officials initially didn’t know where the person intended to climb, but later found notes related to climbing the Maroon Bells in their rental vehicle, and Mountain Rescue Aspen began searching the area.
CareFlight of the Rockies was used to search the Maroon Bells area by air Thursday morning, and a person was spotted dead in “very technical” and difficult-to-access terrain, the release states.
Crews plan to recover the climber’s body on Tuesday. Maroon Peak, including the route from West Maroon Creek and the traverse from North Maroon Peak, is set to close for the entire day so emergency responders can work.
Read more President Trump approves federal assistance for Colorado counties affected by wildfires
Officials have notified the missing climber’s family and will confirm the climber’s identity once the recovery is complete.
Pitkin County officials reminded those traveling in the backcountry to bring appropriate equipment, be ready for rapidly changing mountain conditions, carry a satellite communication device, and leave an itinerary, including their intended route and expected return time, with a trusted person before leaving.
Read more Nearly 300 bears euthanized across Colorado as sightings spike statewide
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.
Read more Adams 12 district recommends closing 6 schools to save $5 million
