Fact Check: "One of the men struck by lightning was flown to a Denver hospital with a burn unit after being rescued from Torreys Peak at an altitude of 14,200 feet (4,330 meters)."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, two men from New York were struck by lightning while hiking Torreys Peak, a mountain that stands at 14,300 feet (4,360 meters) in Colorado. The incident occurred shortly after they had called for help due to getting off course while attempting to summit the peak. One of the men was reported to be in critical condition and was airlifted by a Colorado National Guard Black Hawk helicopter from an altitude of 14,200 feet (4,330 meters) to a Denver hospital that has a burn unit, where he remained in fair condition following treatment (AP News, New York Post, ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that one of the men was flown to a Denver hospital with a burn unit after being rescued from Torreys Peak at 14,200 feet is supported by multiple reliable sources. The Alpine Rescue Team confirmed that the rescue operation involved a helicopter hoisting the critically injured man from the mountain at the specified altitude, and he was subsequently taken to a burn unit in Denver (Denver7, Independent).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible, including news agencies like the Associated Press and ABC News, which are known for their journalistic standards. The information provided is consistent across various reports, indicating a high level of reliability. The Alpine Rescue Team's involvement adds further credibility, as they are directly responsible for the rescue operation and have firsthand knowledge of the events.
However, it is important to note that while the altitude of the rescue was reported as 14,200 feet, Torreys Peak itself is often cited as being 14,300 feet. This discrepancy is minor and does not affect the overall accuracy of the claim regarding the altitude at which the rescue took place (Denver Gazette, KTVB).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that one of the men struck by lightning was flown to a Denver hospital with a burn unit after being rescued from Torreys Peak at an altitude of 14,200 feet is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the details of the incident, including the altitude of the rescue and the subsequent medical treatment received by the injured hiker.
Sources
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in record-high Colorado ...
- 2 New Yorkers struck by lightning while hiking on Colorado peak were ...
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in a record-high helicopter ...
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in Colorado ...
- Two hikers rescued after being struck by lightning on Colorado 14er
- Dramatic helicopter rescue saves two hikers hit by lightning near peak ...
- Colorado's highest helicopter rescue saves two on Torreys Peak
- Two Hikers Rescued After Being Struck by Lightning
