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A Colorado hiker who survived a catastrophic fall on one of the state’s most popular 14,000 foot peaks is now raising money to support the volunteer search and rescue team that saved his life.
According to a GoFundMe campaign started by Ethan Wingo, the accident happened on July 18th while he was climbing the West Ridge route on Quandary Peak near Breckenridge, Colorado. As he descended an obstacle just below the summit at more than 14,100 feet, Wingo lipped and fell nearly 30 feet before tumbling another 200 feet through a steep ravine filled with loose and jagged rocks. The fall left him with serious injuries that required an extensive search and rescue response involving both helicopters and ground crews.
“Yes, it has always been a dream of mine to fly in a Black Hawk. Ideally not under the given circumstances, but this rescue was nothing short of miraculous in all respects. SCRG assembled and elite team consisting of two helicopters and approximately 20 volunteers in less than three hours. They incurred enormous costs to save me. The CO mountaineering community is beyond blessed to have you. I am forever indebted and eternally grateful for your service.” – Ethan Wingo
Donations Will Support Future Mountain Rescues
Instead of asking for help with medical bills or personal expenses, Wingo said his fundraiser is dedicated entirely to the Summit County Rescue Group, the volunteer organization that carried out the rescue.
The Colorado based nonprofit is staffed by volunteers and responds to emergencies in some of the state’s busiest mountain recreation areas. The organization relies primarily on donations and grants to fund its operations and provides rescue services free of charge to those in need. Every dollar raised through the fundraiser will be used to help the organization respond to future emergencies involving hikers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor recreators.
Helicopters and Volunteers Responded
Wingo described the rescue as extraordinary, saying the Summit County Rescue Group assembled approximately 20 volunteers along with two helicopters in less than three hours on a Saturday evening. The rescue ended with Wingo being airlifted from the mountain by helicopter after crews reached him in difficult terrain.
He also credited two Air Force cadets named Bryce and Carmen with helping save his life. The pair heard his emergency whistle, located him, contacted emergency responders, and remained with him while waiting for rescuers to arrive. He said Bryce’s trauma training helped keep him stable during the ordeal.
Giving Back to Those Who Answer the Call
Wingo said he hopes the fundraiser will help ensure the Summit County Rescue Group has the equipment and resources needed for future missions. He encouraged people to support the organization through donations or by sharing the fundraiser, as mountain emergencies can happen unexpectedly even to experienced hikers. The fundraiser has raised $2,615 since it began with a goal of $9,000. You can donate to the effort here.