UNION, Ky. -- A Union, Ky., man fell to his death while climbing Colorado's Christiana Peak Monday after a piece of rock he was using as a hold flaked off, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office officials said.
The body of Travis Boyle, 41, was removed from the backcountry west of Capitol Peak by 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said.
Boyle and a companion were bouldering and not using ropes when the fall happened, Deputy Alex Burchetta said.
Boyle’s companion became stranded on the cliff band at 12,751 feet after Boyle fell. The companion was lowered to safety at about 11 p.m. after members of Mountain Rescue Aspen reached him, Burchetta said.
The rescue volunteers were taken into the wilderness by a helicopter provided by Flight for Life out of Frisco at about 7:50 p.m., police said. The two volunteers and the four remaining members of the climbing party spent the night at Capitol Peak.
Six more volunteers hiked into the area Tuesday and helped recover Boyle’s body.
Boyle was said to be “experienced” in the backcountry, Burchetta said.
