Garfield County, CO – Emergency crews from Mesa County and surrounding agencies conducted a dramatic rope rescue late Wednesday, October 16, after a rollover crash left a driver and their dog trapped down an embankment along Highway 139 just south of Douglas Pass.
According to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, the call came in around 8:40 p.m. when a driver flagged down help after escaping the crash. That driver told authorities their companion and dog were still trapped inside the rolled vehicle.
Lower Valley Fire District (LVFD), Colorado State Patrol, CareFlight, and Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) all responded to the remote mountain location. Upon arrival, LVFD crews stabilized the vehicle while MCSAR established a low-angle rope system to reach the stranded occupants.
Rescuers safely brought the driver back to the roadway just before 10 p.m., according to officials. CareFlight transported the individual to a hospital for further evaluation, while the dog was also safely recovered.
MCSAR called the operation “a privilege,” noting that coordination among multiple responding agencies ensured a safe and efficient outcome.
