*** Photographer Killed by Lightning on Pikes Peak ***

Tue Jul 11 14:30:21 1995
Letter  : 5270451    From: Lee, Ron
Address : RLEE@cosmpdaero.ftcollinsco.ncr.com
Subject : news item

Photographer struck, killed by lightning on Pikes Peak
Colorado Springs, Colorado - July 9, 1995

Rich Buzzelli, 38 a photographer well known to those who frequent Pikes Peak
died Sunday afternoon when he was struck by lightning near the summit of
Pikes Peak.

Mr. Buzzelli and a companion, Lila Woolman, 36 were hiking among some rocky
knolls about 3/4 of a mile west of mile 18 of the Pikes Peak Highway when
heavy lightning occurred in the area. Woolman was not injured in the
incident.

Pikes Peak Patrol rangers first encountered Ms. Woolman on the highway where
she reported the incident. The rangers were unable to go immediately to the
scene due to danger from multiple lightning strikes in the area. Members of
El Paso County Search and Rescue were paged approximately 5:20 pm to respond
Code. During a lull in the storm two rangers hiked to the scene. They
reported back by radio that Mr. Buzzelli did not survive. The rangers had to
hunker down among the rocks as the lightning intensity returned. EPCSAR
teams arrived as the storm subsided. When the danger had passed, two teams
from EPCSAR carried out body recovery.

Also responding were Cascade, CO volunteer fire fighters (first responders),
Pikes Peak Patrol rangers, AMR Ambulance Services, El Paso County Sheriff's
officers, and the county Coroner's office.

Mr. Buzzelli was a resident of Colorado Springs and had gained a strong
reputation as a photographer of Colorado scenery. Several of his works are
on display in the "Summit House" on Pikes Peak. He recently published a book
on the Garden of the Gods Park and participated in the opening of a new
visitors center for the park.


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