Hiker falls from Capitol Peak; 5th to die on 14er in 6 weeks

A 21-year-old man fell to his death while descending Capitol Peak, marking the fifth death in just six weeks on the mountain.

According to reports, the deceased got into an argument with his hiking partner after summiting over how to best get down. The two split up, and the hiker fell 600-700 feet some time later. The Aspen Times reports he fell while navigating the treacherous Knife's Edge on the northeast side of the mountain, the third hiker this summer to die while crossing it. A fourth climber fell near Knife's Edge, but before going across it.

The hiker fell Saturday afternoon, but his absence wasn't noticed until he failed to return to camp that night. His body was recovered the following day, not far from where the bodies of hikers Carly Brightwell and Ryan Marcil were found several days before.

He has not been identified, pending family notification.