UPDATE — August 20, 2024 — VAIL, COLORADO — With great sorrow, it has been confirmed that Emily, the hiker missing in the Holy Cross Wilderness, has passed away following a tragic fall from a ridge. Her husband shared the heartbreaking news on the 14ers.com hiking forum, expressing gratitude for the swift and compassionate search efforts conducted by Vail Mountain Rescue Group and the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.
Emily’s husband conveyed that while the loss is profound, there is some comfort in knowing she spent her final moments in the wilderness she deeply loved. He expressed deep appreciation for the tireless work of the search and rescue teams, emphasizing their dedication and the empathy with which they communicated throughout the ordeal.
In his message, he encouraged those moved by Emily’s story to take a moment to appreciate the natural world, embrace their loved ones, and, if possible, donate to the search and rescue teams who work so hard to save others in similar situations.
This update marks the conclusion of the search, and the community mourns with Emily’s family and friends. Support for search and rescue missions can be shown by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card or by donating directly to the organizations involved.
You can buy a COSAR card at the following link: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
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UPDATE — August 19, 2024 — VAIL, COLORADO — The search for Emily, the missing hiker in the Holy Cross Wilderness, has been called off. A recent update shared by a friend of the family indicates that further searching is no longer necessary. The family and her husband have been informed of her status, but details have not been disclosed at this time.
The community had rallied behind the search efforts, with many offering help and expressing their concerns. The family may choose to share more information in the future, but for now, they request privacy.
This update concludes the search efforts led by Vail Mountain Rescue Group, who worked diligently to locate Emily. Support for these critical missions can be shown by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card.
You can buy one at the following link: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
ORIGINAL — AUGUST 18, 2024 — VAIL, COLORADO — Search and Rescue teams are actively searching for a missing hiker, Emily [last name not released], who disappeared in the Holy Cross Wilderness area near Fancy Peak. Emily was last seen on Friday evening, August 16, 2024, while hiking alone in the remote wilderness.
Her husband reported her missing on a popular hiking forum, noting that she was last known to be in the Whitney/Fancy Peak area. Emily, who is described as 5’4” tall, with blonde hair and weighing approximately 135 pounds, was believed to be hiking solo. She was carrying a Garmin InReach device, but it has since lost power, leaving her last known coordinates as the only clue for search teams.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
A friend of the family, posting on Facebook, confirmed that Vail Mountain Rescue Group (VMRG) is leading the search efforts. The group has deployed teams to comb through the challenging terrain, using Emily’s last recorded GPS coordinates to narrow down the search area.
The search is ongoing, and anyone who may have seen Emily or has any information is urged to contact Vail Mountain Rescue Group’s Mission Coordinator at (970) 479-2200.
Lessons Learned/Safety Tips
- Always carry a fully charged GPS device or have a backup power source when venturing into remote areas.
- Leave a detailed itinerary with someone you trust, including your expected route and check-in times.
- Hike with a partner whenever possible, especially in remote or challenging terrain.
As the search continues, the community is rallying behind the rescue efforts, hoping for Emily’s safe return. Support for these critical missions can be shown by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card.
You can buy one at the following link: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
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