Montco Woman Died Of Altitude Sickness In Colorado

COLLEGEVILLE, PA — The cause of death of a Montgomery County woman who died hiking earlier this summer in Colorado has been confirmed by authorities as altitude sickness.

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 in August when she became ill, according to the Aspen Times.

DeForest had spent time in Dillon, which is at 9,111 feet, before embarking on her hike. The campsite where she fell ill and ultimately passed away was at 10,367 feet, the report states.

Her official cause of death was High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and High Altitude Cerebral Edema, the Coroner's Office said.

DeForest and her friends were hiking on Friday, Aug. 18 when she began vomiting. By around 8:30 p.m. that night, two of her friends hiked out to get help, while the third stayed with Susie.

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

DeForest's family has chosen the Natural Lands Trust, an environmental nonprofit focused on conserving open spaces in Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey, as the recipient of gifts made in her memory.

"She was passionate about conserving land, nature and loved hiking, particularly in Hopewell Big Woods and on St. Peter’s trail," the Trust writes on a special page dedicated to DeForest. "We are honored to put your donations to work saving open space, caring for nature, and connecting people to the outdoors in Susanna’s name."

See here to donate.

Image via Commons courtesy Hogs555