Missing Backcountry Skier Found in Colorado Dies of Hypothermia

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Uncle Bud's Cabin near Leadville, CO.  image: skihouseoftheday.com
Uncle Bud’s Cabin near Leadville, CO. image: skihouseoftheday.com

Two backcountry skiers, an adult and chile, were reported missing in the Turquoise Lake are near Leadville, CO on Thursday.  They had not been heard from since 10:30am on Wednesday.

The missing skiers were found on Thursday afternoon at 2:30pm in the Porcupine Gultch area.

The uninjured child was taken back to the trailhead by rescuers.

The adult, Brett Beasely, died while being treated for hypothermia.

These skiers were not involved in an avalanche.

The two skiers were staying at Uncle Bud’s, a cabin owned by the Colorado 10th Mountain Division near Leadville.

New snow in the area hampered rescue efforts.  Avalanche danger was elevated at the time of rescue.  The CAIC had issued an avalanche warning for the search area on Thursday.

“It definitely increases the difficulty.  Snow this deep can be very problematic for snowmobiles, and depending on where it is it could take a whole lot longer. You also have serious, serious concern about avalanches, and you will have to stay away from critical avalanche areas. That can put extra stress on rescuers.” – Charles Pitman, a mission coordinator for the Summit County Rescue Group told the Summit Daily

26 rescue personnel were utilized in this rescue on Thursday.

60 rescues have been performed by Summit County Rescue Group which is 35% up from last year.

 


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