A man from Silverthorne, Colorado has died after a large boulder was dislodged on his way up a trail in Buena Vista on Tuesday.
Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office reports they received a call about an incident on June 23rd, 2026, at around 1:40pm. 59-year-old Paul Frasch was attempting to walk up a trail near the Arkansas River along CR 371 in Buena Vista when he dislodged rocks and was crushed by the falling debris.
Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives responded to the scene. When first responders arrived, they learned that two men working for a moving company were passing through the area after completing a delivery. The two men stopped at the “Rapid 5 ½ Pullover” and while attempting to walk back up the trail the victim dislodged rocks along the trail and was crushed.
Investigators on scene estimated an “at least ½ ton” boulder was still on top of the victim when they arrived and he did not survive his injuries. The reporting party and co-worker received minor injuries to his arms in his attempt to help the victim. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the incident.
The picture below depicts the trail leading down to the river with the picture taker standing near the riverbank looking back up the trail from where the rocks dislodged.
