Man dies in fall on iconic rock formation near Colorado city

A man has died after taking a big fall in Colorado.

According to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, a report of an overdue hiker in the area of the Second Flatiron that was received at about 9 p.m. on December 16 led to the discovery of a deceased 42-year-old male.

Friends reported that the man had planned to return home around dark but failed to do so. His body was ultimately found on a rock ledge on the Second Flatiron formation.

Information related to the man’s identity was not yet released at time of publishing. His body was successfully recovered.

It’s unclear exactly what led to the man’s death and whether or not the man was utilizing a standard hiking trail or attempting to scramble up the Second Flatiron at the time of his fall. This was not addressed in the report, though he was described as a “hiker.”

Boulder’s Flatirons are perhaps some of the most iconic and most recognizable rock formations in Colorado. There are a number of trails in the area, with the formations also attracting rock climbers – many of whom opt to climb routes on the Second Flatiron unroped and without protection.

Condolences go out to those impacted by this man’s death.

Teams involved in the search and recovery mission include Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder Parks and Open Space Rangers, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, American Medical Response Ambulance, Boulder Emergency Squad, and the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.

If you’re interested in supporting Colorado’s volunteer-powered search and rescue operation, one way to do so is through the purchase of a CORSAR card. It’s cheap, at only $5 per year.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)

The Flatirons at Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Colorado. Photo Credit: Xuan Nguyen (iStock). (Xuan Nguyen)
The Flatirons at Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Colorado. Photo Credit: Xuan Nguyen (iStock). (Xuan Nguyen)

PREV

PREVIOUS

Aurora police suspect Venezuelan TDA gang involvement in kidnapping, torture, stabbing

Councilmember: Gang ripped out woman's fingernails during armed home invasion at troubled Aurora apartment

NEXT

NEXT UP

Rare 'one-of-a-kind' fish was nearly wiped out by Colorado wildfire – but there's hope

As the lightning-sparked Hayden Creek Fire rolled through Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Range in 2016, officials feared that the 16,754-acre blaze could wipe out a genetically unique cutthroat trout population. This prompted biologists, hatchery staff, and U.S. Forest Service personnel to don fire-resistant suits to enter the area in what was described as a “daring […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests