OVERDUE HIKER CHALLENGER POINT

On the evening of Wednesday, July 24th, 2019, Saguache County received a 911 call for an overdue hiker in the Kit Carson Peak/Challenger Point area. The hiker had intended to summit both peaks and was reported overdue by family members. Saguache County Search and Rescue requested assistance from multiple agencies on Thursday, July 25th, 2019 at 0600 hours. Search and Rescue teams were fielded, covering the major trail systems and routes leading up to Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point, two of Colorado’s 14ers.

On July, 27th, 41 year old Lt. Colonel USAF Dan Wallick’s body was located, by a Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control helicopter. Due to the difficult terrain and deteriorating weather conditions, the search teams were re-inserted on July 28th to access and recover Mr. Wallick.

Our condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Dan Wallick. We would like to thank the following organizations for their assistance: Saguache County Search and Rescue, Baca Grande Volunteer Fire Department, Custer County Search and Rescue (CCSAR), Western Mountain Rescue Team, Fremont Search and Rescue, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Alpine Rescue Team, US Forest Service, Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC), Colorado Search and Rescue (CSAR), leadership from his assigned command, as well as aerial assets from Flight for Life, Buckley Air Force Base Colorado Army National Guard (COANG), and Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (CO DFPC) aircraft.

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