The man who died Saturday while hiking the Manitou Incline was on a Cub Scout outing and is the father of seven children.
Nickolay Jogolev, 48, died after he became ill while hiking, said Heather Tremblay, a spokesperson for the El Paso County Coroner’s Office. The cause of death is pending, she said in an email to The Denver Post.
Jogolev experienced breathing problems while climbing the notoriously steep trail on Saturday morning. Sheriff’s deputies cleared the incline just before 10 a.m. Saturday so first responders could reach him, but Jogolev died later at a hospital.
Jogolev, who was from Castle Rock, was hiking with Cub Scouts, according to that is raising money for the family.
Jogolev and his wife, Coral Jogolev, have seven children between the ages for 4 and 21. Some of the children require complex special needs and medical care, according to the GoFundMe account.
Nick Jogolev was the sole financial provider for the family while his wife managed the daily care and transportation to doctors’ offices and therapy appointments.
“Now, Coral is facing significant financial struggles. She will need help with ongoing bills, daily necessities, child care, and transportation for her kids,” the fundraiser stated. “The loss of Nick has left a gap not only emotionally, but also in the practical support that kept their family running.”
The emergency led the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office to close the incline for several hours. Deputies asked people to clear out the rest area at the 1,000 step point.
The , located at the base of Pikes Peak, gains 2,000 feet of elevation over 2,768 steps in less than a mile. It is a popular challenge for outdoors and fitness enthusiasts.
A 64-year-old Oregon man died in April 2025 while attempting the climb.
