ASPEN, Colo. (AP) — A search is underway for a 49-year-old New Mexico man who is overdue from a climb in the Maroon Bells area near Aspen.
The Aspen Times reports David Cook, of Albuquerque, was planning to climb Pyramid Peak on Monday and Maroon and North Maroon peaks Tuesday. Pitkin County sheriff's officials say someone alerted them Tuesday night that Cook was overdue.
Investigators found a receipt in Cook's car indicating that he arrived at the Maroon Bells entrance station at 11 a.m. Monday. A search was not immediately started because it seemed plausible that the man's climbing plans had been delayed because of his late arrival at the Maroon Bells.
An aerial search was launched Thursday morning but was hampered by high winds.
The Denver Post reports Cook is a former Marine who has backcountry experience.