Climber critically injured on Little Bear Peak showing signs of recovery after miracle rescue

ALAMOSA, Colo. (KRDO) - A Colorado man is showing promising signs of recovery after nearly losing his life during a rockslide on one of the state’s most dangerous 14ers.

Ben Jamieson, a husband, father of two, and experienced outdoorsman, was climbing Little Bear Peak near Alamosa on July 27 when he was struck by a “microwave-sized” boulder in a narrow section known as the Hourglass. Search and rescue crews say he fell roughly 30 feet and was found unresponsive and severely injured, without a helmet.

He was rescued by helicopter from 13,300 feet in elevation, thanks to two fellow climbers he had met just minutes before the accident. Gianna and Jake Spitaliere stayed with Jamieson through the entire seven-hour rescue, using a satellite device to call for help and keeping him stable until a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk crew could hoist him off the mountain.

Ben’s wife, Erica, and father, John, spoke exclusively with KRDO 13 from outside UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, where Jamieson remains hospitalized.

"From the bottom of my heart, so grateful that they were all there," Erica said. "It was a miracle, because otherwise he wouldn't be here."

Doctors say Jamieson suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was on a ventilator for several days, but has since been taken off and is now responding to family. His wife says he smiled and blew her kisses on Tuesday, something she says she couldn’t have imagined just days earlier.

"Nightmare. Yeah, a nightmare near death. Bruised, battered, purple. We could not believe that he only broke two bones," said his father, John.

Despite the uncertainty ahead, the Jamiesons say they’re hopeful Ben will soon be stable enough to transfer to Craig Hospital in Denver, one of the nation’s leading rehab centers for traumatic brain injuries. His family says this will be a long road, possibly a year or more, but they believe he’ll return to a meaningful life.

In a written statement shared with KRDO, the Jamieson family said:

“First and foremost, we want to acknowledge that God’s hand has been in every part of this journey…from the accident to the rescue and now into Ben’s recovery. We’ve felt His presence and provision every step of the way.

We are especially grateful to Jake and Gianna Spitaliere, who witnessed the accident on Little Bear and immediately called 911. They remained with our son through the entire seven-hour hoist rescue at 13,300 feet. Their courage, compassion, and steadiness during such a terrifying experience will never be forgotten. They, along with the incredible search and rescue team, saved Ben’s life.

Since then, the care Ben has received at UCHealth Memorial Central has been nothing short of extraordinary. The nurses, in particular, are angels on this earth. Their skill, compassion, and constant presence have brought comfort and hope during some of our hardest moments. We are so deeply thankful for each one of them.

We’ve also been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and generosity from family, friends, and strangers. Almost $80,000 has been raised for Ben’s recovery through GoFundMe, and it is our sincere intention to donate any remaining funds back to the organizations that helped save and care for Ben.

We are very hopeful that Ben will be admitted to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado which we’ve learned is among the best in the country for traumatic brain injury recovery. It’s a blessing that it’s located close to his family’s home. Ben has already made great strides in his recovery, but we understand this will be a marathon, not a sprint. Patience will be key for all of us.

Ben is a husband, father, son, brother, and a friend to so many around the world. He is also a fighter, and we fully believe with God’s continued grace and the support of so many—that he will return to a full and meaningful life. We’d also like to thank his employer, Sonesta Hotels, for their support and care. We’re moving forward with the confidence that they’ll continue walking with Ben through his recovery, and we know he will look forward to the day he can return to the work he truly enjoys.”

The family has set up a fundraiser to help with ongoing medical costs, including neurotrauma recovery care.

They’ve also shared a message for other climbers: "Go with somebody. Wear a helmet. Always be safe. It’s already risky enough. Don’t take any more risks than you have to."

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