Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park (3)—A tragic death occurred on August 15, 1956 when Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman and Mr. and Mrs. Hardwick had hiked up the Longs Peak trail to Chasm Lake and were on their way back when overtaken by a severe lightning storm on the open downhill side of Mills Moraine. Before shelter could be reached, a bolt of lightning struck the party, killing Mrs. Hoffman, age 33, instantly and knocking the rest of the party down. Mrs. Hardwick, age 40, also sustained face cuts and suffered from shock.

Source: George B. Hartzog, Acting Superintendent, R.M.N.P.

Analysis: Although not strictly a climbing accident it does emphasize the danger of lightning in high mountainous country.