CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – A man died Tuesday after reportedly falling from the top of Rock Park in Castle Rock, according to city officials and the city's fire chief.
The man who died was 27-year-old Matthew Byars, the Douglas County Coroner's Office confirmed Friday.
He was a former Michigan State University baseball player. MSU released a statement Friday that said, in part, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Byars family," head coach Jake Boss Jr. said. "Matt was a joy to coach and his big personality was a huge part of our program both on and off the field. We're heartbroken at his passing due to a tragic rock climbing accident in Colorado."
Town of Castle Rock officials said in a Facebook post late Tuesday night rescue crews were called at about 8 p.m. to the park located at 1470 Front Street on reports of someone had who had reportedly fallen while climbing in the area.
“The man did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene,” officials said.
Laura Serota, a woman claiming to be a witness, said she saw rescue vehicle lights at the top of the rock while driving home on I-25.
Another witness, Brooke Fojtik, said she heard ambulances and fire trucks going by her neighborhood around 8 p.m.
The Castle Rock fire chief told Denver7 Tuesday witnesses reported the man was free climbing when he fell.
Castle Rock does not “maintain and has not improved, the rock scramble that is the ascent and descent to and from the top of Castle Rock,” according to the city’s website.
City officials note that, “Climbing to the top is not generally illegal, but it is not recommended,” adding that the Rock “has sheer walls that drop 50 feet or more, and have resulted in serious injuries or deaths.”
The Castle Rock Police Department is investigating the incident.
