In an extraordinary rescue operation, two men who were struck by lightning on a Colorado peak were airlifted by helicopter in what is believed to be the highest such rescue ever recorded in the state. As of Friday, one of the men remains hospitalized in fair condition, while the other was treated and has been released. The incidents occurred late Thursday on Torreys Peak, which stands at an impressive 14,300 feet (4,360 meters) high and is located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Denver.
Torreys Peak ranks among the tallest summits in the state, closely trailing behind Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest elevation, by less than 200 feet (60 meters). The two New York men, whose names were not disclosed, were on a road trip and decided to conquer the mountain, explained Jake Smith, the public information officer from the Alpine Rescue Team.
Initially, the climbers sought assistance at around 5 p.m. after deviating from their intended route on a technical ascent. Unlike other paths that can be completed without special equipment or extensive skill, the route they chose required greater expertise. Smith noted, “It doesn’t sound like they had a ton of prior experience. I think it was probably just a lack of awareness,” suggesting their decision may have been influenced by inexperience.
After directions from rescue officials, the duo successfully reached the summit. However, mere moments later, they reported a lightning strike. Around 30 rescuers were dispatched to the location, and another team utilized a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter to airlift the critically injured man, who was unresponsive, from 14,200 feet (4,330 meters) using a hoist. Once airborne, he was transported to an ambulance and subsequently transferred to a Denver hospital equipped with a burn unit.
The helicopter returned close to midnight to rescue the second man, who had sustained less severe injuries. The aircraft was able to partially land to facilitate the evacuation. Previously, Colorado’s record for a helicopter rescue was at 13,700 feet (4,175 meters). Such missions present significant challenges since thin air at high altitudes reduces helicopters’ lifting capacities; the Blackhawk model is limited to altitudes up to approximately 19,000 feet (5,800 meters).
This incident underscores the importance of timing for hikers and climbers who are advised to make their ascents in the morning to avoid the weather volatility typical of the Rocky Mountain high country during summer afternoons. The region frequently experiences rapid weather changes with thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and sudden drops in temperature.