Colorado Mountain Climber Dead After Fall In Rocky Mountain National Park

ESTES PARK, Colo. — The body of a 54-year-old Colorado climber killed in a fall at Rocky Mountain National Park has been flown out of the backcountry.

The National Park Service says James Charles Patrick, of Littleton, was climbing a glacier with two companions shortly before noon on Saturday when he fell more than 1,000-feet to his death.

Patrick carried the rope used by all three, which left the other two stuck on the mountainside. They called for help with a cell phone.

Rangers reached the two with ropes after about four hours and the climbers made it out safely from the glacier near Taylor and Powell peaks.

Two other rangers stayed with Patrick's body overnight until it was flown out Sunday morning.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

ESTES PARK, Colo. (AP) – The body of a 54-year-old Colorado climber killed in a fall at Rocky Mountain National Park has been flown out of the backcountry.

The National Park Service says James Charles Patrick, of Littleton, was climbing a glacier with two companions shortly before noon on Saturday when he fell 350 feet to his death.

Patrick carried the rope used by all three, which left the other two stuck on the mountainside. They called for help with a cell phone.

Rangers reached the two with ropes after about four hours and the climbers made it out safely from the glacier near Taylor and Powell peaks.

Two other rangers stayed with Patrick's body overnight until it was flown out Sunday morning.

Comments

[Rondo]

12:32 PM on 10/18/2010

bad weekend for climbers

a thirty something woman sustained leg and head injuries after slipping on wet rocks while descending Mt. Monadnock in NH

[A Meat Beetle]

02:18 PM on 10/18/2010

I've been up that one, many years ago. You have to be careful on those wet rocks.

[jamuelle]

12:27 PM on 10/18/2010

Aside from the obvious sad feelings for the family and friends and fellow climbers of Mr. Patrick, my heart goes to the rescue workers who saved the two remaining climbers, and the two that stayed all night with the body. Granted it is their chosen profession, but having to spend a night on a mountain in those circumstances, cannot be pleasant. Let's be thankful non of the rescuers were hurt as well.

[bike2055]

12:24 PM on 10/18/2010

Being for small government and low taxes I hope the Park Service sent the bill for the helicopter ride to the dead mans estate, I think thats only fair, why should I have to pay for someone elses mistake?

People, that is the teabaggers logic and the United States is headed that way.

[armillariella]

12:18 PM on 10/18/2010

To those who consider participating in high risk sports to be selfish, I have some questions.

Do you drive or ride in an automobile to engage in recreational activities - to go bowling, to go to a movie, a restaurant, the coffee shop, to visit friends and relatives?

Do you own a dog or frequent places where dogs are present? People tripping over or being knocked over by dogs account for 80,000 visits to the ER in the US per year.

Do you smoke? Drink more than one drink per day?

Do fried foods, fatty red meats, or sugary desserts make up a large portion of your diet?

We all engage in some types of risky behavior for pleasure and recreation. Where do you think the line should be drawn in feeling compassion for those who die or are injured as a result of their chosen means of recreation?

[ddanimal]

02:46 PM on 10/18/2010

Exactly!

[peacechants]

12:18 PM on 10/18/2010

Each of us has to evaluate his own skill set and overall competence vis-a-vis an exhilarating yet risky pursuit like glacier climbing. Personally, I'm likely to drop an ice cube on the floor once in a while in the kitchen, and to stub my toe on a curb, so I've chosen to avoid extreme sports given a high liklihood I would make a costly mistake. Sometime in the last couple years, I read about a climber who reached the summit of Mt. St. Helens volcano and fell into the crater when he backed up onto weak ice on the rim to get his picture taken. It only takes one mistake. Sad for this climber and his loved ones, but they always say "He was doing what he loved." Probably not during the last 30 seconds, though, no sarcasm intended.

[VeroucaSalt]

12:06 PM on 10/18/2010

At least Mr. Patrick died doing what he loved.

As a rock climber I've always thought ice climbing was a particularly dangerous sport & was never interested. This article seems vague, as they merely state he was climbing a glacier and not actually ice climbing (some glaciers are far more solid & rocklike than others), which could indicate the group was merely walking along a particularly unstable part of the glacier. The story is incomplete.

My condolences to the friends & family of Mr. Patrick. May he be remembered well.

[justsam]

09:59 AM on 10/18/2010

As a climber and an 18 year veterans of a Colorado rescue team, i give my condolences to the family and friends of Patrick. To those who do not understand, I suggest you talk to some climbers or rescue workers. Your comments show you know nothing about this world that a lot of us live for, as many of you have admitted. Any climber or rescue member will be glad to help you understand the joys of climbing and the many ways to enjoy it. I can see many times when climbing without ropes are appropriate. There are too many variables in climbing to know the answer from this article. May he rest in peace. Namaste, Just Sam

[Cutiepieblue]

10:15 AM on 10/18/2010

I agree, Climbing is a very challenging sport. You get this sense of accomplishment! My father was a climber while I am fairly new to the sport i very much enjoy getting out there an seeing what nature has to offer. This man died doing what he loved I'm sure. It's a good death! May he enjoy his after life!

[boardgirl]

04:11 PM on 10/18/2010

Thank you for this Just Sam...I have personally been a friend of Jim's for several years now and was fortunate enough to be in his company on many a hike/climb. As a recipient of his meticulous instruction and mentoring, he carefully and effectively helped me broaden my horizons as a mountaineer and a lover of this wonderful sport. He was an incredible mountaineer, and more cautious than anyone else I have had the pleasure of sharing some amazing Colorado days with. My heart is breaking as I can only imagine that this was a simple mistake that resulted in this horrible tragedy...probably getting ready to set up for the descent thinking he was on "easy" ground. He was one of the good ones, and will be remembered fondly by all of us that had the pleasure of his instruction and gentle ways as he and showed us the safest way to enjoy this majestic place. See you at the summit, Jim....xoxoxoxo

[angusmciver]

06:06 PM on 10/18/2010

Fanned, for I know that you understand.

[mmiii]

09:42 AM on 10/18/2010

HP. Where the dead come to be judged and where those without facts or experience are all too happy to help them out.

RIP Mr. Patrick and I'm sorry I never got to meet you. I'm sure you would have made more of an impact on me that those judging you for living life.

[Imago]

11:13 AM on 10/18/2010

"HP. Where the dead come to be judged and where those without facts or experience are all too happy to help them out."

Truly! Really unfortunate.

[jamuelle]

09:41 AM on 10/18/2010

Question for all the experienced climbers out there: Why would someone be carrying ropes for three people and not be using them? This makes no sense to me. I do not climb, but for some reason, I always imagined using safety ropes where one had the chance of falling like this.

[SwimToCenter]

09:21 AM on 10/18/2010

Some squirrels fall or get squished in the road; some don't. It's just the way it is.

[sufi66]

09:01 AM on 10/18/2010

Read "Into Thin Air" and it will tell you everything you need to know about the insanity of mountain climbing. Not normal fun hiking, but putting oneself in mortal danger.

[jamuelle]

09:28 AM on 10/18/2010

Absolutely awesome book. And that is the first thing I thought of when I read the part about how he was the one "carrying the ropes".

[jgeurian21]

09:42 AM on 10/18/2010

I disagree. I have climbed 18 14,000+ tall peaks in CO, WA and AK and if handled properly can be just as safe as "normal fun hiking". While it is unfortunate that this man died I might venture it is more dangerous to navigate some of our nation's roads and highways. Heck more people die in car accidents in a single year then the collective total of all died climbers in the past 10.

[centered1]

09:49 AM on 10/18/2010

Well said. People tend to gloss over the fact that more people die from bad habits that don't enhance your life experiences.
I doubt you'll ever hear someone reminiscing about that cigarette they smoked in front of the 7-Eleven.
However, a good climb can change your life.

[KarasudaJay]

09:52 AM on 10/18/2010

Even as an avid outdoor enthusiast and advocate of getting out of the house, we have to use honest statistics. Far more people drive than participate in challenging activities which can lead to fatalities.

[rainbowgranny1]

08:59 AM on 10/18/2010

I climbed a 14 thousand foot mountain in Colorado when I was young and impetuous. No ropes, no equipment. Stupid, I know, and I was lucky nothing happened to me. Still, it was an experience I am happy to have had and I have incredible memories of the variety of terrain and flora and fauna - not to mention the spectacular view from the top.

[RedBirdy]

08:35 AM on 10/18/2010

What a horrible way to go. RIP.

[thepheonix]

08:22 AM on 10/18/2010

RIP

Just got back from the Rockies.

Beautiful doesn't do it justice

[Captain Doobie]

07:32 AM on 10/18/2010

Rest in peace, Mr. Patrick...

We don't know all the details so let's not prejudge or assume anything until then. He was doing something he really loved. I've been up those routes many times when I lived in Colorado in the 80-90's. The area is intoxicatingly beautiful and the mountain rescue teams are top notch. I'd much rather go out doing something I really loved than to be hooked up to wires, machines and medicated out of my mind at any hospital. Climbers are a special breed.