NEWS: Another Climber Killed in the Elks (6/25/13)

Pyramid Peak (left) and the Maroon Bells (right).
"Thunder Pyramid" lies behind Pyramid Peak in this photo

The Elk Range claimed the life of experienced mountaineer Steve Gladbach, 52, on Sunday. Gladbach went missing after summiting the notorious Thunder Pyramid with some companions. According to a person who was with him, Gladbach had successfully summited Thunder Pyramid and separated from his companions to side-hill traverse out onto "Lightning Pyramid" where the accident occurred. 

Gladbach was a highly experienced mountaineer who had climbed all 584 of Colorado's 13ers, and all of Colorado's 14ers during wintertime. He was also a father of two and a high school math teacher. Gladbach resided in Pueblo, Colorado.

Both "Thunder Pyramid" and "Lightning Pyramid" are regarded as some of Colorado's most dangerous mountains. The massif has been site of several deadly accidents over the years, including that of David Morano in September 2011. At 13,932 feet, Thunder Pyramid is Colorado's 65th highest mountain and "Lightning Pyramid" is Colorado's 137th highest peak. They are both located along the same ridge as 14er Pyramid Peak and near famous mountains, the Maroon Bells.

NOTE: The original story when posted included several incorrect details, including that the accident occurred on Thunder Pyramid when in fact Mr. Gladbach was actually on "Lightning Pyramid" when he fell. His group had summited Thunder Pyramid earlier that day and were on descent when he decided to traverse off Thunder Pyramid towards its neighboring peak. We also originally reported that he had "wanted to check out a waterfall he was interested in climbing in the winter." Though he was interested in climbing Thunder Pyramid during winter, no "waterfall" exists on this aspect of the mountain nor was he scouting one as a potential route at the time. We regret the errors.

RELATED STORIES
-Climber Killed on Thunder Pyramid
-Statistical Analysis of Deaths on 14ers This Decade
-Sixty Highest Peaks in the Elk Range

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NEWS: Climber Killed on Thunder Pyramid

The Pyramid-"Thunder Pyramid" ridge

In sad news, a 41-year old climber from Dillon, CO was killed on "Thunder Pyramid" in the Elk Range near Aspen on Saturday. "Thunder Pyramid" is in the Maroon Bells area and is connected by ridge to famous 14er Pyramid Peak. Pyramid Peak and nearby Maroon Bells are notorious for their treacherous rock, and the far less well-known "Thunder Pyramid" has a reputation for being even worse. Regarding this dangerous mountain, famed Colorado guidebook author Gerry Roach in his book Colorado's Thireteeners states, "After an ascent of "Thunder Pyramid," most people form the opinion that it is a hidden horror."

The victim's body was apparently in a very rugged location, and authorities still hadn't been able to recover the body. unfavorable weather also complicated the operation.

At 13,932' Thunder Pyramid is Colorado's 65th tallest mountain, making it a target for those attempting to complete the Top 100, or "Centennial" list.

While there have been a number of fatal tragedies in Colorado's mountains this season, they still are somewhat rare, but as mountaineers and human beings we hate when we loose one of our own. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family and friends.

UPDATE: 9/15/11

The climber who passed away on  Thunder Pyramid has been identified as David Morano, a 41 year old from Dillon, CO. According to reports Morano was very experienced and had climbed 129 of Colorado's 200 highest peaks. Despite rough terrain and bad weather, his body has been recovered. All of our thoughts are with Morano and those who knew him.

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Copyright notice: This website and all its contents are the intellectual property of www.coloradomountaineering.com and its authors. None of the content can be used or reproduced without the approval of www.coloradomountaineering.com.
Climbing and mountaineering are dangerous!! Please see the DISCLAIMER page For information about how to contact us, visit this link