FOX31 Denver

44-year-old experienced climber dies from fall between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle

CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — A 44-year-old climber, who the Saguache County Coroner identified as Jeremy Fuerst, died in a fall between the Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle on Saturday.

Division of Fire Protection and Control – Canon City Helitack and Custer County Search and Rescue personnel began a search around 1 p.m. after a call reporting an overdue climber was received. Fuerst was spotted in an aerial search about 300 feet below the traverse between the Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle.

Due to the extremely difficult terrain, rescuers decided to conduct the recovery first thing Sunday morning. Four technical rope members of the search and rescue team were airdropped into the area, and Fuerst’s body was airlifted out.

Officials said Fuerst was an experienced, well-prepared climber but remind others that recreating alone is more dangerous if an accident happens.