Search Continues For Missing N.M. Climber Near Aspen

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) — A search is continuing for a 49-year-old New Mexico man who is overdue from a climb in the Maroon Bells area near Aspen. David Cook, of Corrales, N.M., was planning to climb Pyramid Peak on Sept. 19 and Maroon and North Maroon peaks the following day. Pitkin County sheriff's officials say someone alerted them Tuesday night that Cook was overdue. Investigators found a receipt in Cook's car indicating that he arrived at the Maroon Bells entrance station at 11 a.m. A search was not immediately started because it seemed plausible that the man's climbing plans had been delayed because of his late arrival at the Maroon Bells. An aerial search was launched Thursday morning but was hampered at times by bad weather. The Denver Post reports Cook is a former Marine who has backcountry experience.