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May 22, 2001 A 60-year-old Dolores man tumbled down a 60-foot cliff near McPhee Reservoir Sunday, suffering serious injuries and requiring rescue. Thomas Kurpius reportedly was boating with family near the Beaver Creek inlet on the northeast side of the lake when they stopped and he decided to scale the rock face, without the benefit of protective ropes or a climbing partner. He then slipped and fell. Kurpius was taken by boat to the McPhee Marina, and then transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital. According to hospital spokesperson Jenis Tucker, Kurpius had an open pelvic break and was transported to St. Mary’s in Grand Junction, where he was listed in fair condition Monday. He also received two broken wrists, lacerations and six broken teeth, according to the Montezuma County sheriff’s department. "Apparently the guy climbed up 60 feet, and grabbed onto a branch, which broke, and he fell 60 feet to the rocks below," said Detective Lt. Kalvin Boggs. "He’s lucky to be alive." Alcohol was reportedly not a factor. Dolores Rescue and EMTs responded to the incident. |
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Copyright © 2001 the Cortez Journal.
All rights reserved. |
