A climber has died following a fall of several hundred feet on New Year's Day while scaling Colorado's challenging Citadel Peak, according to rescue officials. The incident, described as a 'tragic accident', occurred along the Continental Divide.
Details of the Fatal Climbing Accident
The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was climbing with a 29-year-old woman when he fell from a ridge. His climbing partner reported the fall at approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, 1 January 2026. Despite warm and favourable weather conditions at the time, the reason for the fall remains unclear.
Steve Wilson of the Alpine Rescue Group, which led the response, confirmed the severity of the situation. "They were up above all of the snow. They were in the rocks," Wilson told CBS Colorado. "Tragic accident as far as we can see." He noted that the pair appeared to be experienced and well-prepared for their climb.
Complex and Challenging Rescue Operation
The rescue mission faced significant obstacles from the outset. Initial helicopter attempts were thwarted by high winds and the difficult terrain of the sharp peak, preventing a landing close to the subjects. "The winds just weren't cooperating at the time. So they just had to abort," Wilson explained.
The operation escalated with the deployment of a Colorado National Guard Black Hawk helicopter. Alpine Rescue Team members were airlifted to the area, while others approached on foot. Rescuers were eventually lowered to the location of the fallen climber and to where his partner was stranded in a 'precarious position' on the ridge.
By 8 p.m. on Thursday, officials had successfully recovered the man's body and rescued the woman, who was not in immediate danger of falling but was in a location very difficult to access or descend from independently.
A Tragic Day in the Colorado Wilderness
This fatal climbing accident occurred on the same day another hiker was found dead in Colorado from a suspected mountain lion attack on the Crosier Mountain trail. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials stated the woman had wounds consistent with such an attack. Investigators located and euthanised two nearby mountain lions, and a necropsy will determine if either animal was involved.
Reflecting on the Citadel Peak incident, Wilson emphasised the inherent risks of backcountry pursuits, even for the experienced. "They're doing what they love. They’re enjoying the back country of Colorado, which is an amazing, beautiful place," he said. "Accidents happen. That's an unfortunate way to end the year. A tragic end."
