The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Mesa County Search and Rescue responded to seven Search and Rescue calls between Friday, May 23, and Monday, May 26, 2025. Incidents of note include:

On Friday, May 23, 2025 around 7:50 a.m., the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Mesa County Search and Rescue responded to a call of two lost motorists in a four wheel drive vehicle somewhere on the Grand Mesa. Mesa County Search and Rescue members located the subjects near Coon Creek Reservoir Number 4 and successfully rescued the two men.

On Friday, May 23, 2025 around 10:40 a.m., the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue, Grand Junction Fire Department, and CareFlight responded to a call of an unconscious but breathing male along the Tabeguache Trail. A hiker found the male along the trail and a passing biker aided via providing coordinates for responders to locate the group. The patient was transported to the hospital via CareFlight.

On Saturday, May 24, 2025 2:40 p.m. Deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, National Park Service, Grand Junction Fire Department, Glade Park Fire Department, CareFlight, and Mesa County Search and Rescue responded to a 75-year-old female that fell off a ledge near the Little Dolores Falls, also known as “the Potholes.” Bystanders reported cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was in progress. Deputies and Rangers continued CPR once on scene and attempted other live-saving efforts, however the female was pronounced dead. Mesa County Search and Rescue recovered the hiker’s body. Identification and cause of death will be determined by the Mesa County Coroner’s Office.

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, around 3:30 p.m., the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue, Gateway Fire Department, and CareFlight responded to a call of a climber who fell a short distance while descending Mother’s Buttress in Unaweep Canyon. The patient reported a badly injured leg. Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team members lowered the patient down the hill via a low angle rope. The patient was transported to the hospital by CareFlight.

On Monday, May 26, 2025, The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Team, Lower Valley Fire District, and Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit responded to a wildland fire near Fault Line 1 Campsite along the Colorado River. Mesa County Search and Rescue responded to provide aid in transporting firefighters via boat to the location of the fire. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Team and Mesa County Search and Rescue will continue to provide assistance.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Mesa County Search and Rescue, National Parks Rangers, Grand Junction Fire Department, Glade Park Fire Department, Gateway Fire Department, and CareFlight for their continued partnership.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind our community members and visitors to plan ahead for all outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and four-wheeling. Please plan ahead for the forecasted weather, bring extra layers for unexpected temperature drops, pack extra water and food, and always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

We will always be here when and if you need emergency assistance.