Rescue — Mount Lafayette, Jun 19, 2026
Two 19-year-old males from New Jersey (primary group); a second group of hikers also wet, cold, and suffering from hypothermia on the same mountain
On June 19, 2026, two groups of hikers on Mt. Lafayette were rescued after suffering from hypothermia in cold, wet, and rainy conditions. The first group included Dmytro Grechko, 19, who was unresponsive with severe hypothermia, and Jason Fisher, 19, who was alert but hypothermic; Grechko was carried to Greenleaf Hut and later transported to Littleton Regional Hospital. A second group of hypothermic hikers approximately 1.1 miles from the trailhead was assisted out by rescuers responding to the first call; a volunteer rescuer was severely injured during the carry-out of Grechko.
What we can learn
Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions; hikers should check the Higher Summits Forecast and pack the ten essential items including warm clothing, headlamp, and rain/wind gear.
Contributing factors