A harrowing rescue of an 18-year-old climber, severely injured in a possible 60-foot fall west of Ken Caryl valley Saturday, lasted more than five hours.
Three boys, one 17 and two 18 years old, had hiked 2.5 to 3 miles up the Massey Draw Trail about 4:20 p.m. when one boy fell 20 to 30 feet, then hit and fell another 20 to 30 feet, West Metro Fire District spokeswoman Cindy Matthews said.
The victim, from the Ken Caryl area, suffered severe injuries but was alert and talking to rescuers when reached, Matthews said. Authorities wouldn’t release his name.
His two friends had placed a cellphone call to 911. A West Metro team arrived in 10 minutes, but then had to hike a few miles up the mountain to set up an elaborate system of ropes and pulleys to perform the complicated rescue, Matthews said.
“It’s been an interesting day up on the hogback. One deputy encountered a mountain lion along the way,” Matthews said.
Rescuers reached the patient and began providing medical care by 5:07 p.m., she said.
The rescue itself entailed lowering the victim from 50 to 55 feet down the mountain, crossing a waterfall and then lowering the patient an additional 35 to 40 feet.
The victim’s parents were at the base waiting for him.
“Much of this has taken place in the dark,” Matthews said. Matthews said the team had the patient on a helicopter for evacuation to Swedish Medical Center at 9:30 p.m.
Taking down the relay system would keep team members there late Saturday night, she said.
There were 17 people on the rescue team.
Electa Draper: 303-954-1276 or edraper@denverpost.com
