Hiker hits tree near Monarch Lake over Memorial Day weekend

Weather conditions in the Rockies can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, especially with strong winds. On Saturday, about a mile from the Monarch Lake trailhead, a tree toppled over in windy conditions hit a hiker in the head. This caused him to fall into a 20-foot ravine.

According to a GoFundMe which was created by his friend Andrew Capets to help cover his medical expenses, the hiker's name is Drew Johnston. He suffered a head injury and is currently being treated in an intensive care unit in Lakewood.

Grand County Search and Rescue responded to the scene after receiving a message from all crews around 2:30 p.m. Search and Rescue was assisted by the Grand County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Forest Service and Grand County EMS.

Johnston was with his fiancée, Emily Swift, and friends when the tree hit him. Capets wrote that two nurses who were on the trail also tended to Johnston while the group waited for first responders to arrive.

First responders pulled Johnston from the ravine and EMS personnel stabilized him.

“The extent of the injuries was critical and a helicopter was requested,” search and rescue services said. “However, none were available due to the extreme weather conditions in the area.”

First responders transported him to Granby instead. He was then transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood and is currently being treated in intensive care for his injuries, according to the GoFundMe page.

First responders warn that recreationists should always prepare for sudden changes in weather, even when just hiking a familiar trail.

“It is important that when recreating you are aware of potential dangers,” search and rescue teams warn. “In this case, the unintended consequences of mountain pine beetle destruction in the area, combined with high winds, unfortunately led to this accident.”

Capets updated the GoFundMe page to express that Johnston is awake and talking after undergoing surgery.