One man died and two climbers were injured Monday in a rock slide in the backcountry near Telluride.
Peter Topp, 59, of Colorado Springs died in the slide when he was hit with “large rocks and boulders,” said Robert Dempsey, the San Miguel County coroner.
Topp was a retired U.S. Army colonel who graduated from West Point in 1972. His last post was at Fort Carson. Topp retired in 2002.
“He loved the mountains; he loved hiking and mountain climbing,” said Regina Topp, his wife of 37 years.
Topp was climbing with Kathy Donnely, 31, of Broomfield and Charlie Zimmerman, 60, of Montrose when they were caught in the slide.
Topp is survived by his wife; a daughter, Kristina; and a son, Erik. Memorial arrangements are pending.
Denver Post staff and wire reports
