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Climber Dies After Fall on Castle Peak

The technically complex recovery highlights risks of high‑elevation climbs, prompting officials to urge backcountry travelers to carry reliable two‑way communication.

Overview

  • Mountain Rescue Aspen and county sheriff's offices responded after Gunnison County reported a fall and reached the climber around 4 p.m. on Sunday, finding injuries that were not survivable.
  • Flight for Life located the climber by air and teams used helicopters, off‑highway vehicles and a technical lowering system to evacuate the body, with all 21 rescue members out by 8:14 a.m. the following day.
  • Authorities have not released the climber’s identity and nearby hikers posted accounts saying they witnessed the fall.
  • Mountain Rescue Aspen says this is the second person the team has discovered in about a week and a separate recovery at Maroon Peak in the Maroon Bells area was planned for Sept. 8.
  • Officials urged backcountry users to leave detailed itineraries, know route difficulty and limits, carry proper gear and bring reliable two‑way satellite or emergency communication where cell service is absent.