Climber dies after fall on Castle Peak near Aspen

A climber died Sunday after falling on the north face of 14,272-foot Castle Peak south of Aspen, Colorado. Mountain Rescue Aspen located the person with help from a Flight for Life helicopter and reached the site around 4 p.m., determining that the injuries were fatal. Twenty-one rescuers participated in the response, working with the Pitkin and Gunnison county sheriff’s offices to evacuate the climber. Officials urged backcountry travelers to research routes and conditions, assess their experience and abilities, leave a detailed itinerary with someone they trust, and carry appropriate emergency communications equipment.