Tucson – In 1958, tragedy struck on Mount Baldy, but Ralph Coltrin was one of the survivors who lived to tell the tale. It was a fateful Tuesday evening when a group of Boy Scouts embarked on what was supposed to be an excellent hike but turned into a devastating tragedy. Ralph, who was just 12 years old at the time, now at the age of 77year old, shares his recollection of the sad and difficult events that unfolded that day.
One of the survivors, Ralph can never forget the tragedy that befell him. His sister, Cathy Hufault, recounts the story in her book titled “Death Cloud on Mt. Baldy: Tucson’s Lost Tragedy.” The book provides a detailed account of the events that took place on November 16, 1958. An arctic-like blizzard suddenly descended upon the mild desert terrain of southern Arizona. Ralph and another Boy Scout, aged 11, found themselves huddled under a picnic table, enduring hours of terror. Eventually, they made the courageous decision to trek through knee-deep snow for over a mile, barefooted and desperate. Their mission was to seek help for three friends who were feared to be trapped higher up on the mountain, potentially buried under 3 to 7 feet of unexpected snow.
Even after 65 years, Ralph vividly remembers the tragic events of 1958 as if they happened just yesterday. He continues to visit Mount Baldy to pay tribute to his fallen friends, cherishing their memory. Today, in November, hiking on the mountain is restricted due to the weather conditions, as a stark reminder of their challenges.
The story told by Ralph serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of survival and the enduring impact of tragic events. It reminds us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
By Pricilia Mugwa
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