*** Pikes Peak Mountain Biker Accident *** To: Search & Rescue Info Date sent: Tue, 05 Sep 95 09:29:21 -0700 From: Lee, Ron Subject: News item: Mountain biker falls on Pikes Peak To: SAR Info BBS Mountain Biker Falls over 200 Feet near summit of Pikes Peak Pikes Peak, CO September 4, 1995 26 year old Ruben Vadiel and a friend planned to spend part of Labor Day riding their mountain bikes down the Fred Barr trail from the summit of Pikes Peak to the trailhead in Manitou, CO. Around 0800 hours, the day turned to tragedy. Vadiel paused on the trail to relax a moment and eat a snack. He apparently lost his balance and fell over the side. According to Skee Hipszky of El Paso County Search and Rescue, Mr. Vadiel fell vertically about 110 to 115 feet down a "fairly steep rock face, hit some rocks at the bottom of that, and rolled out to just above Barr Trail at the bottom of the "Golden Stairs". The total distance of the fall was estimated at 225 feet. Witnesses reported Vadiel rolled head over heels the last 100 or so feet. "All of a sudden I'm looking off and there's my buddy, head over heals... just falling down... I seen him land and I thought maybe he's dead" said Martin Henderson, a witness. Vadiel's bike helmet shattered near the first impact point and is credited with saving his life. Vadiel was evacuated up to the summit by El Paso Search and Rescue teams and airlifted to Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs by a Flight for Life helicopter. He was reported to be listed in critical condition early Tuesday with a broken clavicle, injuries to both knees, broken bones in a hand, wrist and forearm and an unspecified closed head injury. Other agencies aiding in the rescue were the Woodland Park ambulance crew and medics assigned to the Summit House. El Paso Search and Rescue received notification at 08:50 hours and the mission was completed with all team members off the mountain by 13:35 hours. This was the 102nd mission for 1995 for the El Paso County team. -----------------------------