Boulder breaks hiker’s leg in Alpine Tunnel area

GUNNISON COUNTY — A 20-year-old Evergreen man was seriously injured July 3 when he was struck by a boulder.

Gunnison County Undersheriff Rick Besecker said Matthew Ranker was hiking with friends in the Alpine Tunnel area, having entered from the Chafee County side.

As they hiked down a steep incline, a boulder dislodged, possibly after another hiker stepped on it. The rock came down, striking Ranker and breaking two bones in his lower leg. He sustained a compound fracture.

Besecker did not know the size of the boulder, or where Ranker was taken for treatment after being rescued; consequently, he did not know his condition Tuesday.

Other hikers were able to find a point where they could get a cell phone signal, and called for help at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Western State Mountain Rescue teams were able to reach Ranker and prepared him for transport out of the area by helicopter.

Pitkin Quick Response, emergency medical services, and Crested Butte Rescue also responded to the call.