A couple in a pickup stuck for two days in mountain snow on a remote road near Wyoming was rescued Tuesday, and a man who walked away from the truck to seek help is being treated for hypothermia.
The pair got stuck Sunday on Larimer County Road 80C, and the sheriff’s office was notified of the situation about 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, according to a news release. The hypothermia victim walked away from the truck about 11:15 a.m. Monday.
Rescuers tried to ping cellphone coordinates but were unsuccessful. Deputies and emergency services personnel used a Sno-cat as part of the search effort, and a helicopter was dispatched.
Overnight temperatures were in the teens to lower 20s, according to the National Weather Service. Weather was colder still with the wind chill.
About 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, a UCHealth helicopter spotted the truck east of Eaton Reservoir, according to the release. A woman in the truck did not need medical attention. About an hour later the man was spotted on 80C about 2 miles southwest of Iron Mountain. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital.
Rescuers in the Sno-cat reached the woman in the truck about 5 p.m., and she was taken home.
The sheriff’s office said people traveling in the mountains should let a separate party know of their plans, make sure to use and take appropriate clothing, and pack enough food and water for at least 24 hours.
