Prospector Crushed By Boulder, Rescue Crews Save His Life
BUENA VISTA, Colo. (CBS4) - A prospector near the summit of Mt. Antero credits the response of volunteer search and rescue crews with saving his life after a boulder fell on him.
The accident happened on Saturday near the summit of Mt. Antero in Chaffee County.
From his hospital bed, Justin Morrison said he is grateful for the dozens of rescuers involved in getting him to the emergency room.
Morrison told CBS4's Matt Kroschel he was digging with a friend when the boulder gave way, pinning him underneath. He suffered a broken hip, several broken vertebrates and a broken ankle. He was in emergency surgery at a Colorado Springs hospital on Monday but was able to recount his ordeal.
"I was completely pinned, in extreme pain," Morrison said. "My buddy was screaming for help and other people out on the mountain heard the calls and were able to get search and rescue crews alerted of the situation."
Chaffee County Search and Rescue along with a crew from Air Medical Services helicopter responded and after hours of work were able to get Morrison off the mountain.
Morrison is well known in the prospecting community, he recently was featured on several episodes of the reality television show "Prospectors," according to his Facebook page.
Morrison says he expects he will be able to make a full recovery.
Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.
