Collegeville Woman, 20, Dies While Hiking In Colorado

COLLEGEVILLE, PA — A woman who died while hiking in Colorado last week has been identified as a 20-year-old Collegeville resident, according to multiple media reports.

Susanna DeForest, 20, a sophomore at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, was hiking with three friends near Conundrum Hot Springs in Pitkin County, Colorado last Thursday when she became ill, according to the Aspen Times.

During the hike to the Hot Springs, which was an increase in elevation, DeForest became ill and began vomiting, the report states. Two of the friends hiked out to get help at around 8:30 p.m., while the third stayed with DeForest.

A helicopter was dispatched to pick her up but was unable to land until 5 a.m. due to weather issues, according to the report. By the time the chopper had landed, DeForest had passed away.

The start of the hike to the Hot Springs is at around 8,765 feet and ends at over 11,000 feet.

DeForest's death is under investigation.

Patch file photo