Tragic Death of Free Solo Climber in Rocky Mountain National Park

A 26-year-old woman from Boulder, Colorado, died while free-solo climbing Blitzen Ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Free-soloing is a dangerous technique where climbers ascend without ropes or safety equipment. The woman fell approximately 500 feet, and her climbing partner called park rangers for help. The partner was rescued by the Colorado Air National Guard, while a search and rescue team prepared for the recovery of the woman's body. This is the second reported death in the park this month.