A hiker who went missing for 24 hours while attempting to summit Mount Elbert in Colorado unknowingly prolonged their ordeal by ignoring calls from rescuers.
The reason? The calls came from an unrecognized number, and the hiker assumed they were spam.
This incident highlights the importance of staying alert to potential rescue efforts, especially when in remote areas.
A Solo Adventure Gone Wrong
On October 18, 2021, the hiker set out on what was supposed to be a routine climb of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak.
Starting their hike at 9 a.m., they planned to return by evening. However, when they failed to come back by 8 p.m., concerned friends and family reported them missing.
As night fell, the hiker lost their way and began a challenging search for the correct trail in the dark. Meanwhile, Lake County Search and Rescue (SAR) teams were deployed early the next morning to locate the missing individual.
Ignored Calls From Rescuers
Despite multiple attempts by SAR to contact the hiker via their cell phone, all calls went unanswered. The reason?
The hiker did not recognize the number and chose not to pick up. Unbeknownst to them, these calls were from their would-be rescuers, trying to establish contact and guide them to safety.
Lake County Search and Rescue shared the details of the incident in a statement, saying,
“The subject stated they’d lost the trail around nightfall and spent the night searching for it. Once back on a path, they bounced between different trails, attempting to find the correct route back to the trailhead.”
Finding Their Way Back
After a disorienting night of wandering, the hiker eventually stumbled upon the right path and made their way back to their vehicle the following morning, almost 24 hours after they first set out. Remarkably, they were completely unaware that a search team had been actively looking for them throughout the night.
“They had no idea that SAR was out looking for them,” the statement from Lake County Search and Rescue revealed. The team emphasized that this miscommunication could have been avoided if the hiker had answered their phone, despite not recognizing the number.
Lessons Learned: Answer the Phone
The incident serves as a valuable lesson for all adventurers heading into the wilderness.
“If you’re overdue according to your itinerary and start receiving repeated calls from an unknown number, please answer the phone; it may be a SAR team trying to confirm you’re safe,” urged Lake County Search and Rescue.
This story is a reminder that even a brief moment of miscommunication can have serious implications in an emergency.
While ignoring unknown numbers is common, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in situations where you might be at risk. You never know who might be on the other end of the line, ready to help you find your way home.