Overview
- A 19-year-old was reported overdue as a winter storm moved in on Quandary Peak in late January.
- Deputies and the Summit County Rescue Group used a drone with night vision and thermal imaging to locate him around 9 p.m.
- The operator dropped a flashlight that landed an estimated 50 to 100 feet from the hiker, giving him a reliable light and bearings.
- He moved back toward the trail, met rescuers, reunited with his grandparents, and went to a hotel to warm up.
- Rescue leaders said it was their first drone gear drop, noted potential deliveries of lights, radios or supplies in the future, and stressed preparedness and the limits of flying in poor weather.