Avalanche kills man from Estes Park, injures well-known author

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — A man is presumed dead in an avalanche in Rocky Mountain National Park.

His climbing companion, 45-year-old Lisa Foster of Estes Park, suffered “numerous injuries” and rescuers were bringing her out of the park late Monday night.

Officials say David Laurienti, 43, was killed in the avalanche that happened at about 6:00 p.m. Sunday while descending from the north side of Blitzen Ridge on Ypsilon Mountain.

According to reports, Lisa Foster is a well-known mountain climber and author of the book “Rocky Mountain National Park – The Complete Hiking Guide.”

A search began Monday morning after the two climbers had been reported overdue. Rescuers found Foster at 2:45 p.m. in the upper Fay Lakes basin.

“Blitzen Ridge on Ypsilon Mountain is a challenging mountaineering route that includes sections of technical rock, often made more difficult in winter conditions,” a statement from Rocky Mountain National Park officials says.

“Recent snow and winds have contributed to what the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast as considerable avalanche conditions in this area since Saturday.”

Park rangers will conduct body recovery operations when weather conditions allow.