DATE OF INCIDENT June 9, 2024
DEPUTY IN CHARGE: Deputy Rachel Maxfield
CASE NUMBER: 24P006586
Pitkin County, Colorado – June 10, 2024 – On Sunday, 06/09/2024, at approximately 8:39 p.m. a citizen waved down a Pitkin County Sheriff’s Deputy and stated that their family member, Jennifer Hearn, had not returned from her hike on Triangle Peak. The family did not have Jennifer’s exact plans, but knew her vehicle was parked at the trailhead of Triangle Peak, which is a trail that she hikes 3-4 times a week. The Triangle Peak Trail is a steep trail that sees limited foot traffic due to its difficult and rocky terrain. The trail is about five miles out and back with a number of intersecting trails near its highest point. The Triangle Peak Trail is located in the Snowmass Canyon area of the Roaring Fork Valley, off of Lower River Rd.
The search continues for 75 year old Jennifer Hearn. Jennifer is described as a 5’10'' 125 pound female with shoulder length gray hair and brown eyes. Jennifer is possibly wearing a green t-shirt or long sleeve shirt and jean shorts. Jennifer is believed to be hiking with her three year old brown Irish Setter named Tawny. Tawny may be skittish so please approach cautiously if you encounter the dog.
“We understand, and are immensely thankful for the public's desire to aid in the search efforts. We are using specialized aircraft with equipment that can detect activity with heat sensors. That equipment could register false positives that are not the person we are searching for if we have unauthorized personnel in our search area. Our focus is to search for and find Jennifer. We want to avoid someone else possibly being injured and distracting our efforts from that goal,” said Pitkin County Undersheriff, Alex Burchetta
SEARCH TIMELINE:
On June 9 at 8:57 p.m. a team of Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) volunteer members went to the trailhead of Triangle Peak to search the area. Members of MRA concluded their search at 2:40 a.m. due to lack of light.
Today, Monday, June 10 the search resumed at 8:17 a.m. 30 members of MRA, one helicopter from Flight for Life, one fixed wing Multi Mission Aircraft from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and one dog and handler team from SARDUS continued their search of Triangle Peak and surrounding areas. Search teams are still in the field at the time of this release.
HOW TO HELP / SUBMIT A TIP
Immediate Request for Cooperation: Citizens are urgently asked to avoid the area to allow search and rescue teams to conduct their operation efficiently and safely while air and on the ground search is being conducted.
How to help: The best way to assist is by staying away from the area and keeping roads clear for emergency vehicles. If a community member has any information that can aid the search and rescue efforts that are time sensitive, please call Pitkin County dispatch or 911. For other tips like photos or general information, they can be submitted using this link.
Anyone with a residence in the Triangle Peak area is encouraged to check security, game or gate cameras for possible footage that could assist in the search for Jennifer. Additionally, residents are encouraged to check their surrounding structures like garages, sheds and outhouses.
Updates: Stay tuned for updates through the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office social media channels. Do not rely on unofficial sources for information.
Law enforcement and MRA officials ask that you stay away from Triangle Peak while MRA and other agencies search the area.
MEDIA CONTACT
media@pitkinsheriff.com
970-400-7276