Search for body in Red Rocks cave continues

The search for a body that a spelunker claims he found while exploring  a cave near Red Rocks Amphitheater resumed Friday morning with volunteers from Alpine Rescue Team and Jefferson County searchers hunting in caves and on steep, rocky cliffs.

Jefferson County sheriff's spokesman Mark Techmeyer said 25 Alpine Rescue volunteers, equipped with special mountain climbing gear, picked up where a search was called off after four hours on Thanksgiving.

"They've got all their gear, they've been thoroughly briefed and they are on their way," Techmeyer said.

On Thursday, the rough terrain made it hazardous for firefighters and sheriff's deputies who were not equipped and or trained for searches in narrow rock crevices. Also, the man who reported the body did not show up to lead the searchers because he had gone to a Thanksgiving gathering.

The spelunker, who authorities declined to name, had committed to lead the search Friday, but then said he was unable to assist because he had previously committed to work a 12-hour shift at his job.

Techmeyer said the man needed to work because he earns overtime pay and he is the sole provider for his children.

The man, who is in his early 20s, said he saw the upper half of a bloated body late Wednesday afternoon, Techmeyer said.

He immediately climbed out of the cave and contacted authorities. He tried on Wednesday night to lead them back to the area but it became too dangerous to search the steep rocky area at night, Techmeyer said.

Read more in the rest of the Post's story.