Search Underway for Colorado Man Missing Since Sunday

A search is underway for a Durango man missing since at least last Sunday, September 19.

Search and rescue teams are looking for Vaughn Fetzer in the area of Blanca Peak, the fourth highest summit in Colorado, located east of Alamosa.

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Never Arrived to Meet Friends

According to the Durango Herald, Vaughn Fetzer works as a nurse at Mercy Regional Medical Center. Friends expected to meet up with Fetzer on Sunday in Tres Piedras, New Mexico.  Alamosa County Undersheriff Shawn Woods said that Fetzer never arrived to meet his friends.

Woods adds authorities believe Fetzer was on Blanca Peak on Saturday evening, September 18.

Description of Vaughn Fetzer

He is described as:

• 6 feet tall
• 180 pounds
• brown hair
• brown eyes

Vehicle Has Been Located

Search teams located Fetzer's vehicle at the trailhead of Lily Lake near Blanca Peak.

Challenges Faced by Search Parties

A helicopter is aiding searchers by taking teams up Mount Blanca and dropping them off, saving time that would otherwise be lost hiking up the mountain.

The teams we have today are all technical climbers, which have the ability to use ropes and riggings and that kind of thing to check some really rigorous terrain. It’s not just walking, they’re actually using ropes and a rigging. -  Alamosa County Undersheriff Shawn Woods / Durango Herald

Do You Have Any Information as to His Whereabouts?

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of Vaughn Fetzer, please contact the Alamosa Sheriff's Office at 719-589-6608. You can also contact Crystal Wilson with search and rescue at 773-456-2927, or the Colorado State Patrol dispatch at 719-589-5807.