Fact Check: The helicopter rescues of the two men from Torreys Peak are believed to be the highest helicopter rescues on record in Colorado, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet.

Fact Check: "The helicopter rescues of the two men from Torreys Peak are believed to be the highest helicopter rescues on record in Colorado, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet."

What We Know

On June 12, 2025, two men from New York were struck by lightning while hiking on Torreys Peak, which stands at 14,300 feet (4,360 meters) above sea level. The rescue operation involved a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, which successfully airlifted one of the men from an altitude of 14,200 feet (4,330 meters) using a hoist. The second man was rescued later that night after the helicopter briefly touched down on the mountain. According to rescue officials, these rescues are believed to be the highest helicopter rescues recorded in Colorado, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet (4,175 meters) (AP News, ABC News, WZZM13).

Analysis

The claim that the helicopter rescues from Torreys Peak are the highest on record in Colorado is supported by multiple sources. The Alpine Rescue Team, which was involved in the operation, indicated that the previous record for helicopter rescues in the state was 13,700 feet (ABC News, Independent). The altitude of the rescue at Torreys Peak was confirmed to be 14,200 feet, which indeed exceeds the previous record (New York Post, US News).

The sources reporting on this incident are credible and include established news organizations such as the Associated Press, ABC News, and the New York Post. Each of these outlets provided consistent details about the incident, including the altitude of the rescues and the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike. The information is corroborated by eyewitness accounts from rescue team members, adding to the reliability of the claims made.

However, it is important to note that while the rescues are believed to be the highest on record, this assertion is based on the information available at the time of reporting. There may be a need for further verification from official records or databases that track helicopter rescue operations in Colorado.

Conclusion

The claim that the helicopter rescues of the two men from Torreys Peak are the highest on record in Colorado, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet, is True. The evidence presented from multiple reliable sources confirms that the rescues occurred at an altitude of 14,200 feet, setting a new record for helicopter rescues in the state.

Fact Check: The helicopter rescues of the two men from Torreys Peak are believed to be the highest helicopter rescues on record in Colorado, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet.