Get All Access for $5/mo

Office Hiking Retreat Takes Unexpected Turn After One Employee Was Left Stranded on the Mountain: 'Awkward Encounters at the Office in the Coming Days' How well do you know your coworkers?

By Erin Davis

Key Takeaways

  • A man left behind by colleagues on a hiking outing became disoriented during descent, lost cell service amid inclement weather, and had to spend a night on the mountain before being located by rescuers.
  • The stranded hiker managed to call 911 and was eventually found and taken to the hospital in stable condition.

An office worker was rescued after being abandoned by colleagues at a team-building hike on Mt. Shavano in Colorado.

"In what might cause some awkward encounters at the office in the coming days and weeks, one member of their party was left to complete his final summit push alone," wrote Chaffee County Search and Rescue, South on Facebook.

Related: Check Out the CEOs and Ultrawealthy Who Traveled to Sun Valley in Rural Idaho for the 'Summer Camp for Billionaires'

First responders said when the hiker hit the summit and turned around to head back down the mountain, his colleagues had picked up all the belongings they had left behind as markers for the descent.

He then "became disoriented," the rescue group wrote. "Concerned for himself, he sent a pin-drop to co-workers already descending. These co-workers informed him his route was wrong and to climb back up the slope to regain the trail," they added.

His coworkers contacted first responders that evening.

After messaging his coworkers, there was "a strong storm" with freezing rain and wind, which led to the hiker again becoming disoriented, and a tough time for search and rescue teams. The hiker also lost his cell phone signal, per authorities.

Related: 5 Unconventional Ways to Boost Remote Work Culture and Enhance Productivity

On-the-ground teams, drones, and helicopters were used in the search but it was unfruitful, and the unnamed man (the company of the hiking group was also not named) spent the night on the mountain.

The next morning, the hiker was able to call 911 after regaining service.

"This hiker was phenomenally lucky to have regained cell service when he did, and to still have enough consciousness and wherewithal to call 911," they wrote.

He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Erin Davis

Entrepreneur Staff

Freelance Writer

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Science & Technology

5 Rule-Bending AI Hacks to Make Your Mornings More Productive and Profitable

By 2025, AI will transform productivity by streamlining workflows and cutting costs. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are leading the way, advancing AI into "Phase 3," where tools act as digital assistants. Discover 5 AI hacks to boost efficiency and redefine your daily routine.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Business News

Former Steve Jobs Intern Says This Is How He Would Have Approached AI

The former intern is now the CEO of AI and data company DataStax.