A hiker has faced ridicule on social media after ignoring repeated rescue calls, mistaking them for spam, while lost on Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado, back on October 18, 2021.
The incident, which unfolded over 24 hours, began when the hiker failed to return as scheduled after starting their hike at 9am. Concerned, Lake County Search and Rescue was alerted at 8pm but initially struggled to establish contact.
Search efforts ensued, with rescuers suspecting the hiker had veered off the trail and spent the night trying to find their way back. Despite repeated attempts to reach them via cellphone, all calls went unanswered as the hiker did not recognize the unknown number.
Eventually, after a full day of being lost, the hiker rediscovered the trail and returned to their car, unaware that rescue teams had been actively searching for them.
Reflecting on the incident, Lake County Search and Rescue shared on Facebook, “Multiple attempts to contact the subject via their cell phone were unsuccessful. If you’re overdue according to your itinerary, and you start getting repeated calls from an unknown number, please answer the phone; it may be a SAR team trying to confirm you’re safe!”
The story garnered attention on social media, with many finding humor in the situation. Lake County Search and Rescue intervened to remind the public that in emergencies, what may seem like common sense retrospectively isn’t always clear under stress.
They emphasized, “In Colorado, most outdoors enthusiasts understand the SAR infrastructure, but this awareness isn’t universal. Please be respectful in your comments.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of communication during outdoor adventures, where prompt response to rescue efforts can make a crucial difference in safety outcomes.
