Fact Check: "The men from New York state called for help around 5 p.m. after getting off course while attempting to summit Torreys Peak."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, two men from New York state were involved in a rescue operation on Torreys Peak, a prominent mountain in Colorado. They initially called for help around 5 p.m. after they became lost while attempting to summit the mountain via a technical route that required climbing skills. According to Jake Smith, a public information officer for the Alpine Rescue Team, the men later managed to reach the summit but were subsequently struck by lightning shortly after their initial call for assistance (AP News). This incident is notable as it involved what is believed to be the highest helicopter rescue on record in Colorado, occurring at an altitude of approximately 14,200 feet (New York Post).
Analysis
The claim that the men from New York called for help around 5 p.m. is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that the call for help was made after the men got off course while hiking, confirming the timing of their distress signal (AP News). Additionally, the New York Post corroborated this information, detailing the sequence of events leading to their rescue and the circumstances surrounding their hike (New York Post).
Both sources are reputable and provide consistent accounts of the incident, which enhances the reliability of the information. The Associated Press is known for its journalistic integrity and thorough reporting, while the New York Post, despite being a tabloid, often covers significant news events with accurate details. The consistency across these reports suggests that the claim is credible.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that the men from New York state called for help around 5 p.m. after getting off course while attempting to summit Torreys Peak. The timing and circumstances of their distress call are well-documented in reliable news sources.
