A rock climber sustained serious head injuries when he fell more than 40 feet down a granite face in Jefferson County this afternoon.
The fall near Tunnel 2 along U.S. 6 and Clear Creek happened about 5:30 p.m., when the climber’s equipment failed, said Golden Fire Department spokesman Jonathan Ashford.
The man, in his 30s, was not wearing a helmet and many of his injuries appeared to be to his head, Ashford said.
“We want to encourage anyone who’s engaging in these outdoor activities to please wear a helmet,” he said.
The man, who is not being identified by authorities, was rushed by ambulance to St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver. He is expected to survive, Ashford said.
The man was climbing with friends in an area popular with recreational climbers, Ashford said.
The loose rock in the area caused officials to close the eastbound lanes of U.S. 6 during the rescue.
