AVON — Jarod Wetherell was fond of saying, “Life is my employer.” He worked and played hard for his boss.
Wetherell, of Avon, died in a fall during his descent Wednesday from the summit of North Maroon Peak. He was 37.
He was hiking with his friend David Richardson of Vail. Richardson survived and was still at Aspen Valley Hospital as of Friday evening.
Wetherell and Richardson hiked Holy Cross earlier this year, camping near a lake during a full moon. They reached the top at 2 a.m. because it was so bright. Friends say Wetherell thought it was such an amazing experience that he wanted to squeeze in one more epic hike.
He and Richardson were at the summit of North Maroon Peak around 1 p.m. Wednesday when friends received a text message from them. Only one made it down alive.
Wetherell was originally from Matunuck, R.I., and studied at the University of Rhode Island. Friends said he also considered himself a citizen of Red Sox Nation. He moved to Vail a year ago.
“He was just starting to explore his new home. It was because he loved living here that he went on these grand adventures,” said Jenny Tucker, one of Wetherell’s many friends.
Bobby L’Heureux met Wetherell in Boston, and when L’Heureux and a friend moved to Vail, Wetherell was a regular visitor. Finally, about a year ago, Wetherell left the East Coast for the Rocky Mountains.
“He moved here with a mission to live life every day, and that’s what he did,” L’Heureux said.
