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Teen Who Drove Off Top Of Pikes Peak Rescued Save Email Print
Posted: 1:01 PM Jun 25, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:04 AM Jun 26, 2008
 Reporter: McKenzie Martin
Email Address: mmartin@kktv.com
33 comments
A | A | A

The teen whose car had gone off of Pikes Peak Highway is now rescued. El Paso County Search and Rescue helped bring the teen to safety after about 8 hours.

The car had plunged 1,000 feet.

He was taken away in a Chinook Helicopter to Memorial Hospital.

Search and Rescue says they were told the teen was driving fast, at about 30 to 40 miles per hour.

A Blackhawk helicopter flew to the top of the peak, but the winds at 14-thousand feet made it difficult to gain a steady hover, so more manpower was called in, a Chinook from Buckley Air Force Base.

The Chinook, 100-feet long and 70-feet wide was too big to land at Memorial Hospital, so Memorial Park served as a landing pad.

With medical teams waiting for his arrival, the teen was rushed to the hospital.

We’re told the teen suffered some serious injuries and his condition was worsening on the mountain

Colorado Springs Police did tell us that this was a suicide attempt over a broken relationship.
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Posted by: Nathan Location: New Mexico on Jul 15, 2008 at 08:17 PM
There's alot to be thankful for here... First: He survived Second: We survied The Young Man was in the car zooming by missing my riding partner and I by 15 Feet as we were 15 Feet from the sheer cliff of the Northeast Face!!! As he approached us and our bikes the man looked me in the eyes as he launched himself off the summit in front of us. What a day at America's Mountain!
Posted by: DEE GIO Location: ILLINOIS on Jul 12, 2008 at 05:58 PM
my FAMILY AND ME ARE STILL WORRIED ABOUT THIS TROUBLED YOUNG MAN . CAN ANY ONE PLEASE TELL US ABOUT HIS CONDITION? AND IF WE MIGHT SEND FLOWERS OR WELL WISHES? THANK YOU FROM ILLINOIS
Posted by: j Location: COLORADO SPRINGS on Jul 9, 2008 at 04:08 PM
HE IS DOING GOOD!
Posted by: Carrie Location: missouri on Jul 8, 2008 at 04:31 PM
God Bless this precious boy and his family, Im thankful God is forgiving and not all these people posting hateful unforgiving things.God has a plan for this young man!Family and friends support him in all ways.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 1, 2008 at 04:33 PM
my family and me were also on the mt.just a short time after he drove off.It left us strange feeling. Our hearts go out to the boy and his family. Does anyone know the condition of the driver? We are back home Il.and can't find any updates?
Posted by: don Location: tohkubbi on Jun 30, 2008 at 08:17 PM
I saw it happen...i am still speechless as I try to make sens of it all...if you want to have a serious discussion dt3817@yahoo.com
Posted by: Kevin Location: Arizona on Jun 29, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Me and my family were at Pike's Peak that day. We arrived about 10 mins. before he drove off the edge. I saw him go over the edge, but you couldn't see any sign of the car from the peak. The rescuers did an unbelievable job. Does anyone know the condition of the driver? We are back home in AZ and can't find any updates.
Posted by: Nick Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 29, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I feel bad for this kid. I hope he has supporting friends/family that will help him through this.
Posted by: What The Hell on Jun 29, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Jay- I can see why you got beat up. This poor kid was feeling helpless and probably did not know where to turn. Hopefully now that he has a second chance he will earn from this. Instead of bashing this poor kid, try helping him.
Posted by: Debbie Location: Canon City on Jun 29, 2008 at 05:33 AM
I also was a witnesses to this event. I cannot believe that he lived through this, let alone not in ICU! It is very hard to see this and process what happened. I watched the SD firefighters spring into action and am thankful no one was hurt getting this boy back to the top. I am feeling the most pain for the mother of the boy. I hope in time this boy will learn that his mother will (hopefully) ALWAYS be there for him, no matter how far off his life seems to be. Good luck young man, you now have a second chance, please use it well.
Posted by: Just a visitor Location: Colorado on Jun 28, 2008 at 10:48 PM
It's so sad people say hateful things and turn around and call themselves christian. I hope all those who said hateful things do not turn around and say they are christians. Its not their place to judge anything. And Stephanie... it sounds like you need God more than anything. I am a proud Christian and even though I do not agree with suicide It's not my place to say evil things about someone like that. They will have there chance to stand before God on judgment day and those who are evil and hateful will find themselve in a lake of fire. Yes judging someone is a sin and will send you to hell.
Posted by: Dominique Location: CA on Jun 28, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I was one of the eye witnesses of this event. This boy was in his car approx. 20 feet from me, my girlfriend and aunt. He waited for us to walk by before accelerating his car of the peak. I am thankful for that. I am glad he had the decency of mind not to involve any one else in his endevor. This was a very surreal thing to see with your own eyes and I cannot believe he survived this! I did not believe anyone could survive a crash such as this, but this was not his time to go. I just appreciate that he didnt take us with him.
Posted by: SM Location: CSC on Jun 28, 2008 at 10:23 AM
No one can understand the pain another person feels. We are only just understanding the difference in brain development in adolescence. I will never understand how some people can make such hearless comments. I really feel for this young man and his parents when they have so much healing. I hope they get the support they need.
Posted by: laurel Location: colorado springs on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:27 PM
wow i guess no one elses parents every told them that if they dont have anything nice to say dont say anything at all. best wishes to the boy and his family.
Posted by: desiree gallegos Location: csc on Jun 27, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Haleia I agree with you! J let your friend know that people are always going to hate but look past that and know that this world holds way to much good and bad. So run with the good and find someone that needs you. You didnt die for a reason, find that reason.
Posted by: Haleia Location: CS on Jun 27, 2008 at 09:23 PM
J - don't give those people a second thought. They'd quickly change their tune if this affected a family member or friend. Well wishes on your friends recovery.
Posted by: j Location: co springs on Jun 27, 2008 at 06:46 PM
im the friend of that boy im so greatfull that he lived.the rescue people did a great job.im sad that some people think the way they do
Posted by: jay Location: colo spgs on Jun 27, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Colorado Springs Police did tell us that this was a suicide attempt over a broken relationship "got ur heart broken? cry a river, build a bridge and get over it" there is no excuse for suicide. chemical inbalance my behind! its selfish and uncalled for. if you need someone to talk to, call a friend. if you don't have a friend, then pay a therapist to listen to your whining. i've had my heart broken, beat up and put in the hospital over the 'man i loved' and suicide NEVER crossed my mind. this teen needs serious help and hopefully now he will get it. PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE!
Posted by: Heather Location: Aztec, NM on Jun 27, 2008 at 02:29 PM
There is a reason people volunteer to do these rescues. It's because they actually love thy neighbor. Some have forgot this is a KID. He, nor anyone else, should be judged for wanting or trying to take their own lives. When people are in that frame of mind, they can not rationalize or see the pain they may be causing their loved ones whom they leave behind. Please be an encourager for this young, young man, and don't bring him down with comments that will do nothing other than doubt why he is still alive. He needs help and encouragement, not condemnation.
Posted by: Deborah Location: Colorado on Jun 27, 2008 at 01:16 PM
How can anyone call a depressed person selfish? Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain...when one is severely depressed, he/she isn't thinking rationally. Perhaps this boy doesn't have a good supporting family, who knows, but its obvious, he only saw ONE way out of his emotional pain. Its awful that some people can't feel compassion for depressed people, making comments without fully knowing what its all about nor probably experienced it themselves. Godspeed to him.
Posted by: Artie Location: Slaterville on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Sorry bout that bro. Have a good weekend and enjoy some brew-hahas for good old Siena you filthball.
Posted by: Haleia Location: cs on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:28 AM
steph I'm sure you do stand by your statement. Just make sure all your family members know you have no humanity and understand that no compassion will be forthcoming from you if they are ever struggle with depression and it overwhelms them to the point of suicidal thoughts or actions
Posted by: Stephanie Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 27, 2008 at 09:31 AM
It's not comparing life to a dollar amount. Something could have happened to VOLUNTEER while trying so save the kid who wanted to die?! Why should strangers put themselves in harms way and have to waste the money that they have to collect from donors to save the life of a suicidal person? It's ridiculous. It's not hate or anything like that. It's common sense. I have no compassion for anyone who sees their only way out as killing themselves. Call it what you want. I stand by my opinion.
Posted by: Nicole Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 27, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Stephanie..Its because of people like you that horrible things like this happen. He needs a good support system and higher self esteem. He is just a kid. Obviously he didn't have anyone to help him cope with the heartache! My prayers go out to the boy and his family.
Posted by: Chi Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 27, 2008 at 05:19 AM
Dealing with heartbreak is tough, especially being so young. My prayers go out to him and his family. Hang in there, life is worth going through trials and tribulations. One day, you'll love again.
Posted by: Tiffany Location: CS on Jun 27, 2008 at 02:56 AM
My cousin did the same thing on gold camp road a few years ago. Stupid stupid of them to think they are not good enough to find someone else. Very sad. I hope this kid gets help!
Posted by: katie Location: idaho on Jun 26, 2008 at 06:35 PM
i just saw the comments that some people left about the cost of saving this boys life and I think it is very sad that a person would even think to compare a life to a dollar amount!
Posted by: James Location: C/S on Jun 26, 2008 at 04:59 PM
So many hateful people. Welcome to the Colorado way of life, hate thy neighbor!
Posted by: Haleia Location: cs on Jun 26, 2008 at 04:10 PM
yes, monies were spent to rescue the teen who wasn't able to see no other way out but death. I'm sure the parents and those who love him feel the costs are well worth it to have him still in their lives and on the road to both physical and emotional healing.
Posted by: Stephanie Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 26, 2008 at 09:08 AM
The next time he tries to kill himself, why not find a more simpler way? The members of EPCSR are nothing but volunteers and they had to waist their time and money to go rescue this moron who didn't want to live anyway! What a sad, sad, selfish act.
Posted by: Sarah Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 26, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Nobody is worth taking your own life. I read in the Gazette that his girlfrined just broke up with him so he drove up to the summit of Pikes Peak and drove his car off the mountain. Very sad that he wanted to end his life like this. No Girl or Boy is worth ending your life! I am very surprised he survived! The Gazzette said he was ejected from the car. God was watching over him
Posted by: Bob Location: COS on Jun 26, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Selfish is right! How many other peoples lives were put at risk because of this? How much in resources did this cost? Totally selfish!!!
Posted by: Jennifer Location: CSpgs on Jun 25, 2008 at 10:42 PM
This is very sad that this person felt so helpless that this is what they resorted to doing. While I feel that suicide is a selfish way to end your pain, my heart still goes out to this person and his/her family. Many prayers...
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