Climber Stranded on Colo. Ledge at 13,000 Feet Reached By Rescuers
Climber has spent the night on a wintry ledge without proper gear or clothing.
May 28, 2014— -- A team of 28 rescuers using helicopters have reached an inexperienced climber stranded on an icy ledge in Rocky Mountain National Park and are bringing him down.
The climber identified as Samuel Frappier, 19, became stranded in the "extremely precarious location" that is approximately 13,000 feet up on the edge of Longs Peak in the park, according to ABC News affiliate KMGH.
Park spokesman Kyle Patterson said that Frappier was descending from the summit of the mountain when he became stuck Tuesday afternoon. An initial rescue team began the effort to extract him Tuesday night.
"Rescuers have connected with Samuel Frappier on Lambs Slide and are moving down with him. Weather and conditions permitting he will be flown from the location shortly," the National Park Service said in a statement.
The park said the climber has no technical climbing equipment. He is stuck in significant snow and ice and was not prepared to spend the night, Patterson told KMGH.
The rescue team has been communicating with Frappier via cell phone.
There was no word on the man's condition.