Fact Check: "Two men from New York were struck by lightning on Torreys Peak, Colorado, and were rescued in what is believed to be the highest helicopter rescues on record in the state."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, two men from New York were struck by lightning while hiking on Torreys Peak, a mountain in Colorado that stands at 14,300 feet (4,360 meters) above sea level. The incident occurred shortly after they reached the summit, and they subsequently called for help after being struck. The Alpine Rescue Team, along with a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, conducted the rescue operation, which involved retrieving one man who was critically injured at an altitude of 14,200 feet (4,330 meters) using a hoist. The other man was rescued later that night by the helicopter, which partially touched down on the mountain to assist him (AP News, ABC News).
Rescue officials indicated that this operation might represent the highest helicopter rescue on record in Colorado, surpassing the previous record of 13,700 feet (4,175 meters) (Bay News 9, New York Post).
Analysis
The claim that two men from New York were struck by lightning on Torreys Peak and that their rescue is believed to be the highest helicopter rescue on record in Colorado is supported by multiple credible sources. The details provided by the Alpine Rescue Team and corroborated by news outlets such as the Associated Press and ABC News confirm the incident's occurrence and the altitude of the rescue (AP News, ABC News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The Alpine Rescue Team's involvement adds further credibility, as they are the primary responders in this incident and have firsthand knowledge of the events.
While the claim about the altitude of the rescue being a record is based on the statements of rescue officials, it is important to note that this has yet to be officially verified by a governing body that tracks such records. However, given the context and the details provided, the assertion appears plausible.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that two men from New York were struck by lightning on Torreys Peak and rescued in what is believed to be the highest helicopter rescues on record in Colorado is substantiated by reliable sources and corroborated information from rescue officials.
Sources
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in record-high Colorado ...
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in a record-high helicopter ...
- Men hit by lightning plucked from mountain in record-high ...
- 2 New Yorkers struck by lightning while hiking on Colorado peak were ...
- Colorado's highest helicopter rescue saves two on Torreys Peak | wfaa.com
