Insurance workers hike Mount Shavano, one left behind overnight
- A group of insurance workers went on a hiking retreat in the Rocky Mountains, where one man became separated from the group.
- After reaching the summit, he became disoriented and lost cell phone signal during a storm, leading to a night spent on the mountain.
- Rescue teams successfully located and retrieved him, emphasizing the risks of hikers separating from their groups.
A group of 15 insurance workers embarked on a hiking retreat in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, aiming to reach the summit of Mount Shavano. On the day of the hike, they gathered at dawn and successfully reached the summit by 11:30 a.m. However, one man, dressed in black, became disoriented while attempting to descend alone. Despite sending GPS coordinates to his colleagues, he lost his way after a strong storm hit the area, bringing freezing rain and high winds. As night fell, two coworkers attempted to locate him, but the worsening weather conditions made it unsafe for search teams to reach the summit. The man managed to call 911 when his phone regained signal, informing rescuers that he had fallen multiple times during his descent. He was eventually found in a gully, having spent the night exposed to harsh weather. Rescue teams, which included volunteers from Chaffee County Search and Rescue South, faced challenges due to the storm but successfully retrieved the man using a stretcher. After being located, he was transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. The incident highlights the risks associated with hiking, particularly the dangers of hikers becoming separated from their groups. This situation may lead to uncomfortable interactions among the coworkers in the future, as the ordeal could impact their office dynamics. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and communication when engaging in outdoor activities, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.