Crews called to recover hiker’s body in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A search and rescue effort by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the Colorado Springs Fire Department happened in Red Rock Open Space near Section 16 after a hiker fell down an incline and died Wednesday night.
The recovery operation started around 9 a.m. Thursday and officials, including the El Paso County Coroner, left around 11:40. The hiker has been recovered, but the Sheriff's Office said identification is pending autopsy and notification of next of kin.
Capt. Mike Smaldino of the CSFD says when rescuers got to the body Wednesday night, it was determined the hiker had passed away. Crews decided it was safer to continue the operation in the daylight. It was getting too late, too dark, and too cold, according to Capt. Smaldino.
Although it is unknown whether this hiker was hiking by themselves, Capt. Smaldino warns the public to never hike alone.
"It’s always good to try and hike with a friend or hike with a buddy. If you do get hurt you actually have someone there who knows right where you are who can call 911 and get help getting up there right away, " Smaldino said.
