An experienced hiker, Ian O'Brien, 28, disappeared in the Colorado wilderness after successfully summiting Hesperus Mountain on Saturday. O'Brien, from Page, Arizona, embarked on a solo hike in the Echo Basin area of the La Plata Mountains and reached the peak around 6:30 p.m., sharing a photo on social media. When he didn't return to his camp, a search was initiated late Saturday night.

O'Brien's family is deeply concerned because he requires medication for epilepsy, which he likely doesn't have access to. His sister, Molly O’Brien, emphasized his wilderness survival skills, but stressed that the lack of medication, potentially leading to seizures and disorientation, puts him in grave danger. A possible sighting of a disoriented man without a backpack was reported, but officials believe it was unlikely to be O'Brien due to differing clothing descriptions.

Search and rescue teams, including a dozen ground teams and a U.S. Air Force Blackhawk helicopter, have been extensively searching the area from Mount Hesperus to Echo Basin, the West Mancos River, and Transfer Campground. As of Wednesday afternoon, there was still no sign of him. Unfortunately, the search efforts may be curtailed due to resources being diverted to combat nearby wildfires. The duration of the ongoing search remains uncertain, depending on available resources and evolving circumstances.