Missing Hiker on Blanca
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
I encountered Vaughn as I was heading north toward the California summit, and he was headed south off the summit (I contacted SAR as soon as I saw this post on this site on Tuesday). We talked for 15 or 20 minutes. Unfortunately, I don't remember much about what he was wearing e.g. colors).
I've climbed all the neighboring 14ers on their standard routes (from the other side), but despite what I could see from my hike up to that point, on that day, I wasn't able to have a very intelligent conversation with him about his plans; for example, I didn't know which ridge was Gash).
From what I could gather, his plans were to gain the ridge to Ellingwood (somehow), traverse to Blanca, then come off Blanca somehow (I'm guessing Gash ridge). He told me he had a short rope in his pack, just in case. He said he had a headlamp, so he wasn't worried about time. I don't think he had any plans for little bear- I think I asked him about that...
He seemed to be in no hurry, and to have no real firm plans- he had the attitude of a guy who was just out for a stroll. He seemed humble to the point that it took a while for me to understand that he wasn't just planning on a simple hike of California like I was, and wouldn't maybe be better off descending back to the parking lot from north of the summit as I was planning.
Sad deal- he seemed like a real nice, soft-spoken guy.
I've climbed all the neighboring 14ers on their standard routes (from the other side), but despite what I could see from my hike up to that point, on that day, I wasn't able to have a very intelligent conversation with him about his plans; for example, I didn't know which ridge was Gash).
From what I could gather, his plans were to gain the ridge to Ellingwood (somehow), traverse to Blanca, then come off Blanca somehow (I'm guessing Gash ridge). He told me he had a short rope in his pack, just in case. He said he had a headlamp, so he wasn't worried about time. I don't think he had any plans for little bear- I think I asked him about that...
He seemed to be in no hurry, and to have no real firm plans- he had the attitude of a guy who was just out for a stroll. He seemed humble to the point that it took a while for me to understand that he wasn't just planning on a simple hike of California like I was, and wouldn't maybe be better off descending back to the parking lot from north of the summit as I was planning.
Sad deal- he seemed like a real nice, soft-spoken guy.
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
He was an incredibly kind and gentle human, and was loved by everyone that knew him. This is really tragic.
Also, some of his friends are planning to continue looking for him, so if anyone is planning on being on Blanca soon, be extra careful. There could be people below you where there normally wouldn't be. I have even heard some SAR teams might be reactivated.
Also, some of his friends are planning to continue looking for him, so if anyone is planning on being on Blanca soon, be extra careful. There could be people below you where there normally wouldn't be. I have even heard some SAR teams might be reactivated.
- justiner
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
That is a huge agenda.TravisRood wrote: ↑Fri Sep 24, 2021 12:28 pm From what I could gather, his plans were to gain the ridge to Ellingwood (somehow), traverse to Blanca, then come off Blanca somehow (I'm guessing Gash ridge). He told me he had a short rope in his pack, just in case. He said he had a headlamp, so he wasn't worried about time. I don't think he had any plans for little bear- I think I asked him about that...
- timstich
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
They apparently found him, as SAR just posted this on their FB page.
"Alamosa Volunteer Search And Rescue will begin recovery operations tomorrow to bring Vaughn Fetzer off the mountain.
AVSAR would like to ask all non-Search and Rescue members to please stay out of the Blanca Peak area. This is to enure SAR personnel safety, the risk of hikers sending rockfall onto teams is high.
Please keep all of Vaughn's loved ones in your thoughts throughout this incredibly difficult time in their lives."
"Alamosa Volunteer Search And Rescue will begin recovery operations tomorrow to bring Vaughn Fetzer off the mountain.
AVSAR would like to ask all non-Search and Rescue members to please stay out of the Blanca Peak area. This is to enure SAR personnel safety, the risk of hikers sending rockfall onto teams is high.
Please keep all of Vaughn's loved ones in your thoughts throughout this incredibly difficult time in their lives."
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
SAR didn't find him, a couple of his friends did this afternoon. Just saying.
- painless4u2
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
So sad to hear. RIP
Bad decisions often make good stories.
IPAs + Ambien = "14ers" post (Bill M.)
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
IPAs + Ambien = "14ers" post (Bill M.)
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
- gurlyclimber
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
I met Vaughn at a 14ers beer night when I moved to Durango. We shared many adventures; summits, long ass hikes, day and night multi-pitch ice, rock, friendship, philosophy, love.
I'll swing by his house and leave my contact info on the door. He had friends in several communities so I'm not sure whos doing what. Please reach out if there is anything I can do.
I'm grateful to SAR and his friends from the Hospital and those who are brining him down today.
I'll miss you Edgar
Here's Vaughn getting spicy on Private Pizza in the Creek
4 years ago to the day Vaughn and I were on top of Silver and Red Deer Mountain in the La Platas. Here's our view that day.
I'll swing by his house and leave my contact info on the door. He had friends in several communities so I'm not sure whos doing what. Please reach out if there is anything I can do.
I'm grateful to SAR and his friends from the Hospital and those who are brining him down today.
I'll miss you Edgar
Here's Vaughn getting spicy on Private Pizza in the Creek
4 years ago to the day Vaughn and I were on top of Silver and Red Deer Mountain in the La Platas. Here's our view that day.
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- Silver Red Deer
- Vaughn 2.jpg (46.36 KiB) Viewed 1692 times
Last edited by gurlyclimber on Mon Sep 27, 2021 8:24 am, edited 2 times in total.
- Dan_Suitor
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
Very sad indeed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Century Bound, eventually.
- Mountainsroam_2012
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
Damn that sucks, RIP.. He must have had some good friends to go looking for him. My "friends" wouldn't even leave their house to look for me haha
- climbingcue
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Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
Sorry to hear the terrible news he is gone. Amazing that his friends were able to find him in that very tough terrain.
REST IN PEACE Vaughn
REST IN PEACE Vaughn
Consecutive months with at least one 13er or 14er, 73 months
Re: Missing Hiker on Blanca
How very sad, and unfortunate.
My condolences to all of his friends and family.
My condolences to all of his friends and family.
- broncotw
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