Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Colorado: Wife of a Sheep Rancher was Fatally Injured While Attempting to Round Up a Flock of Sheep

摘要

On April 30, 1990, the 58-year-old wife of a sheep rancher was fatally injured while attempting to round up a flock of sheep. The fatal accident occurred sometime during the night hours on a Friday evening or early Saturday morning. At 1500 hours the victim and her husband left the ranch headquarters to round up their sheep and bring them to the ranch buildings for protection. A major snow storm was developing in the area which is at an elevation of 10,000 feet. The victim separated from her husband to chase down a second flock of sheep. Very shortly a high wind arose and created white-out conditions in the area. The husband was unable to locate the victim and returned to the ranch to obtain additional help from his son. As darkness set in, the son was sent to town to call for help. The sheriff's department took the call at 2200 hours and notified the local volunteer fire department, the emergency medical service, and search and rescue units from two counties. The search continued until 0300 hours when it was decided to wait for daylight. At 0745 hours the victim was found.