| The Maroon Bells. The North Face of North Maroon is prominently visible right of center, to the right of the tree |
A hiker who had been missing since Sunday was found dead on the North Face of North Maroon Peak today. It has been reported that Rei Hwa Lee, 57, of Littleton was found by Mountain Rescue Aspen this morning shortly after 11 am according to a story posted by the Aspen Times. This news comes only two days after another death on nearby Capitol Peak.
Though the exact line taken by Lee is difficult to determine from reports, the North Face of North Maroon is a non-standard route known for its precarious rock and steep exposure. Lee was hiking alone at the time.
As Colorado Mountaineering reported in January, the Maroon Bells have proven to be some of the most dangerous 14ers in the state. Combined with Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle and Longs Peak, these five mountains have accounted for half of the fatal accidents on all 14ers this decade. This latest tragedy marks the fourth death on an Elk Range 14er this year and the sixth death on a 14er this year across the state.
RELATED HEADLINES
-Body Found on the Maroon Bells (5/28/2017)
-Climber Falls to Death Near Knife Edge (8/6/2017)
-Climber Falls to Death Near Knife Edge (8/6/2017)
-Climber Killed on Capitol Peak (7/20/2017)
-Summary and Analysis of 14er Deaths This Decade (2010-2016)
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