Two bodies were recovered from the north face of Capitol Peak Tuesday. The climbers were young locals.
Carlin Brightwell and Ryan Marcil were supposed to return from climbing Capitol Peak on Sunday afternoon. A search began Monday morning when they still had not returned. A notice from the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office confirmed last night that two hikers’ bodies had been found at the bottom of the 14er.
Aspen Public Radio confirmed with sources who were close to the couple that Brightwell and Marcil died while climbing. They were both in their late 20s.
Brightwell worked at the popular Main Street artisan shop, The Emporium and Flying Circus. An outpouring of Facebook posts describe the long-time local’s warmth and friendliness. Marcil served on the board of Aspen Strong. His board bio states that he decided to make a move to Colorado to pursue his love of the outdoors.
Capitol Peak has now claimed four lives this summer. It is located west of Aspen and is known as one of the most challenging 14ers in the state. Two others have died climbing the Maroon Bells this year.
August 22, 2017 6:03 p.m.
EARLIER: Carlin Brightwell and Ryan Marcil have been identified as the hikers who were found dead at the base of Capitol Peak.
Authorities have not released the names but numerous sources have confirmed their deaths.
A National Guard helicopter spotted the bodies at the bottom of the north face of the 14er at approximately 2:25 p.m.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office got a call regarding the missing climbers Monday morning. They were supposed to return Sunday after summiting Capitol Peak. Since their plans to return Sunday were tentative, a search was not put into motion until Monday evening.
Click here for the full press release.
