Fact Check: "The rescue operation involved about 30 rescuers and a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that a rescue operation took place on Torreys Peak, Colorado, involving approximately 30 rescuers and a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. The incident occurred when two men from New York were struck by lightning while attempting to summit the mountain, which stands at 14,300 feet (4,360 meters) source-1. The rescue operation is believed to be the highest-altitude helicopter rescue on record in Colorado, with the helicopter hoisting one of the injured men from an altitude of 14,200 feet (4,330 meters) source-2.
Analysis
The claim that the rescue operation involved about 30 rescuers and a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports from the Associated Press and the New York Post both state that around 30 rescuers participated in the operation and that a Blackhawk helicopter was utilized to airlift the more seriously injured hiker source-1, source-2. Additionally, the Colorado Chronicle corroborates this information, emphasizing the involvement of approximately 30 rescuers and the Blackhawk helicopter in the operation source-6.
The sources used are reputable news outlets and official reports, which enhances their reliability. The consistency across these reports indicates a high level of confidence in the accuracy of the information presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the rescue operation involved about 30 rescuers and a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter is supported by multiple credible sources. The details provided align consistently across various reports, confirming the accuracy of the claim.
Sources
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in record-high ... (https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/environment-news/men-hit-by-lightning-plucked-from-mountain-in-record-high-colorado-helicopter-rescues-10810078)
- 2 New Yorkers struck by lightning while hiking on Colorado ... (https://nypost.com/2025/06/14/us-news/2-new-yorkers-struck-by-lightning-while-hiking-on-colorado-peak-were-saved-in-record-high-state-helicopter-rescue/)
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in record-high ... (https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/06/13/nation/men-hit-by-lightning-plucked-from-mountain-in-record-high-colorado-helicopter-rescues/)
- Videos (https://www.angtec.ang.af.mil/News/Videos/?videoid=158255&dvpTag=team)
- Colorado Army National Guard discovers, recovers missing ... (https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/State-Partnership-Program/Article/610651/colorado-army-national-guard-discovers-recovers-missing-hikers/)
- Record-Breaking Rescue on Torreys Peak - Colorado Chronicle (https://coloradochronicle.com/record-breaking-rescue-on-torreys-peak-colorado-national-guard-saves-lightning-strike-victims-at-14-200-feet/)
- Team honored for hoist rescue (https://coloradosar.org/team-honored-for-hoist-rescue/)
- Colorado Hoist Rescue team, Colorado National Guard ... (https://co.ng.mil/News/Archives/Article/2373842/colorado-hoist-rescue-team-colorado-national-guard-partner-to-save-lives-in-hig/)
