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Experienced hiker missing since Tuesday found dead on Torreys Peak

Torreys search and rescue
Torreys Peak, Grays Peak, Kelso Mountain, Mount Edwards
Posted at 11:45 AM, Jul 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-18 15:52:11-04

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — A 71-year-old experienced hiker was found dead Thursday, two days after he went missing while hiking on Torreys Peak.

The Alpine Rescue Team said the man, identified as 71-year-old Don Chambliss of Englewood, intended to hike to Kelso Ridge on Tuesday. His family reported him missing to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday evening.

The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office said Thursday afternoon that they had found Chambliss at about 1:30 p.m. on Torreys Peak at an altitude of around 13,600 feet. Because of the harsh terrain in the area, teams have put off the recovery of his body until Friday.

Flight for Life, U.S. Air Force and National Guard members helped the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office and Alpine Search and Rescue team with the high-altitude search. A helicopter started searching for the man Tuesday evening. Clear Creek County Undersheriff Bruce Snelling said they would be bringing in additional assets Friday to help with the recovery.

"We would also like to thank all the first responders and agencies who assisted with this multi-day search in truly difficult terrain," Snelling said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chambliss family during this difficult time."

Kelso Ridge is often used by hikers seeking a more challenging and less crowded way up Torreys Peak, which sits at 14,267 feet. The ridge is a Class 3 scramble and connects Torreys Peak and a 13er to the northeast named Kelso Mountain.