An injured man from Colorado managed to survive a harrowing night alone on a mountain after being left behind by his co-workers during an office retreat, according to rescue officials. The incident occurred during a group hike to summit Mount Shavano, where the man, part of a group of 15 co-workers, was abandoned to complete his final summit push alone.
Wearing all black, the hiker reached the summit at 11:30 a.m. but became disoriented during his descent when he found that markers left by his group had been removed. As he attempted to descend on his own, he ended up in a steep boulder and scree field, further complicating his situation.
After sending distress signals to his co-workers, a storm hit the area with freezing rain and high winds, cutting off his cell service and making rescue efforts challenging. Search and rescue teams were mobilized after the man was reported overdue, but adverse weather conditions hindered their progress.
The following morning, the man was able to regain cell service and call 911 for help. Rescuers located him in a gully below Esprit Point, where he recounted multiple falls and his inability to continue descending after the last fall.
Rescue officials emphasized the importance of hiking with a partner and carrying essential gear, including bright clothing, when venturing into the backcountry. The man's survival was attributed to his timely call for help and his ability to provide his location to rescuers.
