Chaffee County Search and Rescue teams, assisted by several other agencies, located the body of Wayne Kirkbride, 61, the retired US Army Special Forces lieutenant colonel who set out Sunday afternoon to climb Mount Antero. After a search mission that lasted all day Monday and into the afternoon today, Mr. Kirkbride‚s body was spotted by an Army helicopter pilot at about 3:30pm during a pass over the area near Cascade Falls. A ground team that was in the immediate area was directed to the body from the air. They confirmed the identity of the man and announced to other searchers that he was deceased.
Preliminary observations of the scene suggest that Kirkbride fell from the crest of a steep slope. Time of death cannot be ascertained at this time. The body is located in an area of steep and rocky terrain and extrication will be difficult, requiring several hours and a team of personnel skilled in these operations. That operation will not be commenced until tomorrow (Wednesday).
More than thirty-four persons participated in the operation today. They included members of search and rescue teams from Chaffee, Summit, and Lake Counties, Front Range Rescue Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado, helicopters and crews from the US Army, Buena Vista Correctional Facility, Chaffee County EMS, Chaffee County Emergency Management, and the Chaffee County Sheriff‚s Office.
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For more information, contact Sheriff Pete Palmer at 719-207-3264.
He was my science teacher…
He was willing to talk about anything with me, such as his experiences. He thought I was a great student. He was a great teacher and a great friend, I’ll miss him a lot… We’ll be praying for his family. At least he is with God now.
He was a really good teacher. :( Everyone will miss him… but he is with the Lord now, so we can praise God for that…
Praying for his family at this time of sadness, yet rejoicing that he is in Heaven. His NorthStar Academy family will miss him dearly!
He was my Physics teacher, praying for the family. I am sorry to hear about the loss, and he will be missed by all.
He was my Chemistry and Physics teacher as well, and my favorite teacher for the years I took his classes. I am praying for his family and his passing seems very unreal. I thank God that he is with his Lord he loved so much.
He was my Science teacher last year and I really enjoyed his classes. I’m praying for his family and I’m sure everyone misses him. But I rejoice that he was a brother in Christ. I’m glad he finally got to see the Lord.
A great man has just left us! He was one of the great mentors for my daughtor, Christine Youn. A very caring person, missing you Wayne so much!
He was my Chemistry teacher and I really liked being in his class. He will be missed. I am prying for his family.
I wish i will see him in heaven and i am really sorry for his faimily
Although I never took his classes, I always looked up to him as a role model, and had great respect for him. I am praying for healing
He was my chemistry teacher last year and I really enjoyed having him.
He was always so encouraging. I’m really going to miss him!
It’s good to know that he is in eternal joy now.
He was a great man and an AWESOME coach to Joey, Will, and the rest of the Worth County wrestling boys. He will certainly be missed, but definetly not forgotten.
USMA Class of ’72
He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Although I didn’t know him well, I knew that he lived in many people’s hearts. He will be missed.
He was my Chemistry and Physics teacher and easily my favorite. He was always so helpful and kind. I even got to meet him. This is so hard to swallow, and my prayers are with his family.
One thing Wayne always demonstrated was it’s not the size that matters it’s the heart you put into it.
A Classmate West Point 1972
I can’t believe it, like it can’t be true — and yet it is. :( He was my Science teacher last year, who gave answers to my questions that were challenging. Pray for his family. Praise God he is now in paradise.
He was a good man. And in many ways defined what it meant to be both friend and tough.
Classmate, West Point 1972
Wayne was a great person, and a fine soldier and leader. I still remember his Plebe poop at West Point in 1968:
“I’m 5 foot-two, eyes of blue,
and I can lick all of you!”
Rest well, Wayne. You did a wonderful job on earth. Now it’s time for you to rest with God!
Randy Jones
USMA Class of 1972
He was a teacher at my school, and although I was never in my class, I always heard he was a great teacher and respected him. Praying for his family.
Even tho I didn’t know Wayne, his wife is a dear and old friend and my heart goes out to her and the family. From reading the comments he sounded like an extraordinary man and will truly be missed…such a sad tragedy ….
He was my biology teacher, swim coach, worship/missions leader, and advisor/counselor. I could always count on him to be the leader. Even though he is gone from this earth, he will always remain in my heart. We may have lost him, but we will never forget him. God bless you, Mr. Kirkbride. May God bless you as you are in heaven.
Mr. Kirkbride was my physics teacher 4 years ago when I was a senior. I’ll never forget that man. I am heart broken to hear his sudden death. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Kirkbride will be sorely missed. He was my chemistry and physics teacher. It was evident he loved the Lord. I’m just happy to say that he gets to be with his wife now. I remember when she died and cannot forget his sadness. Now, they both will be eternally happy in heaven with the Lord.
Mr. Kirkbride was such a great man. When I fell behind in Chemistry, he helped me catch up in any way possible. He never got upset, even though I know he was really busy with other people. He was a great man and one who I know will leave a legacy in some way or another.
I was really sad to hear how Mr. Kirkbride died. He was my chemistry and physics teacher. He was such a kind and helpful teacher. I respected him a lot. At the same time, I am glad he can be with his wife now and with His Savior. Will keep praying for his family.
I love you, honey….I miss you so much…..everyone misses you…especially the grands…..but we know you are in heaven….your ultimate goal in life…..
I am so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. My prayers go out for Melanie and his entire family. I served in the Army with him for 3 years in Panama during the 1980′s. A fine man who will be truly missed.
Although I have never met him I am very sad about his death I was going to take his class next year T_T