New Yorker found on Wilson Peak

TELLURIDE—A 51-year-old New York man was rescued off the side of Wilson Peak Monday by members of the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue.

New Air helicopter service of Durango and CareFlight out of Grand Junction participated in the rescue, according to a news release from the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office. New Air transported the patient and rescuers back and forth from the scene and CareFlight transported the patient to St. Mary’s in Grand Junction, the release stated.

An initial report of a fallen hiker with a possible broken leg came in at about 10:45 a.m. Monday, the sheriff’s office said. Another hiker discovered the injured man and text messaged a friend in Telluride, who then reported the injury to the Telluride marshal’s office. The marshal’s office then contacted the sheriff’s office.

Despite developing poor weather, the chopper was able to evacuate the injured hiker to Telluride Regional Airport.

According to the release, the weather held out long enough for the helicopter to make three trips: one to drop off rescuers just below the fall site (Rock of Ages Cabin); one to bring the patient and one rescuer back to the airport,where an incident command was set up; and a final trip to bring back the second rescuer, the hiker who reported the accident, and her hiking partner.

According to the release, the climber told search and rescue members that he had a search and rescue card. Emergency medical transport costs are not covered by the card, according to the sheriff’s office.