Two climbers die in separate accidents near Aspen

Two climbers died in separate backcountry incidents near Aspen, Colorado, within a single week. The Pitkin County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identities of the deceased as Jack “Andrew” Skipper, 68, of Santa Fe, Tennessee, and Andrew Tyler Sikes, 37, of Westminster, Colorado.

On September 2, Skipper died following a fall in the Y Couloir southeast of Maroon Peak within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. His body was recovered on September 8 during a technical operation involving Mountain Rescue Aspen and a helicopter from the Utah Department of Public Safety. The cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries resulting from an accident.

On September 6, Sikes died after a fall on the north face of Castle Peak, south of Aspen. He was pronounced dead at the scene by rescue teams. His cause of death was also attributed to multiple blunt force injuries caused by an accident.

Mountain Rescue Aspen officials noted that while the range typically sees a few deaths per year, these incidents occurred close together. Rescuers highlighted that the Elk Mountains consist of loose, crumbly shale, which can contribute to accidents. Officials also noted an increase in rescue calls during August and September.