A Colorado hiker was rescued after his co-workers left him on the mountain
A mountaineer was rescued from a mountain in the US state of Colorado after being abandoned the previous day by his colleagues while he was retreating from the office.
The man, whose name has not been released, went missing and found himself unable to answer the phone after being abandoned by his colleagues who continued without him, said the Chaffee County Search and Rescue team.
He endured stormy weather and several falls before being found in a “major search effort” the next morning. He stabilized and was rushed to the hospital, but there was no further information on his condition.
Officials suggested that the incident “may create a negative atmosphere in the office in the coming days and weeks”.
The game took place on Friday when a group of 15 players from the company – also unnamed – traveled to the Mt Shavano river, which is 14,000ft (4,300m) high.
In their statement, the officials said that the traveler arrived at the conference by himself around 11:30 local time (17:30 GMT), but was “disoriented” in his descent.
His colleagues are said to have told him that he was on the wrong track, and suggested that he retrace his steps.
But his colleague went missing again after a powerful storm passed through, bringing “strong winds and torrential rain” and leaving him without a phone.
Chaffee County Search and Rescue received an alert at 21:00 that night, sending two teams and a pilot who were hampered by bad weather.
A helicopter was also dispatched, but despite tracking down the last known man, rescuers were unable to find him. He was wearing black clothes.
More help was called from multiple agencies in the neighborhood on Saturday morning, leading to what officials called a “massive search effort”.
Finally, the missing man managed to find enough wire to call 911, and he was found in the ditch.
He reported that he fell at least 20 times and was unable to get up.
His eventual rescue involved lowering the ropes and “remarkable cooperation and coordination,” officials added.
The condition of the man is not known after being rushed to the hospital. The BBC has contacted Chaffee County Search and Rescue for further comment.
In their statement, they warned people to never travel alone, pack light clothes and essentials.
“This hiker was very fortunate to have cell service back when he returned, and was sober enough to call 911,” they said.
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