Missing Aspen couple found dead below Colorado mountain

Publish date: 2024-08-09

An Aspen couple has been found dead below a Colorado mountain summit two days after they went missing.

Ryan Marcil and Carlin Brightwell are believed to have plummeted to their deaths while hiking Capitol Peak, a 14,000-foot-tall mountain in Aspen.

The couple had been dating up to seven months and were reported missing on Sunday. A helicopter found their bodies at the base of the mountain on Tuesday.

Marcil and Brightwell, who were in their mid- to late-20s, had moved in together and talked about how they were going to get married, friends close to the couple said.

Ryan Marcil (left) and Carlin Brightwell (right) were found dead on Tuesday. The couple in their 20s had been climbing Capitol Peak, a 14,000-foot-tall mountain in Aspen, Colorado

Ryan Marcil (left) and Carlin Brightwell (right) were found dead on Tuesday. The couple in their 20s had been climbing Capitol Peak, a 14,000-foot-tall mountain in Aspen, Colorado

They had been dating for the past seven months and had plans to get married, friends claimed. They were reported missing on Sunday Officials believe they may have fallen off the mountain

They had been dating for the past seven months and had plans to get married, friends claimed. They were reported missing on Sunday. Officials believe they may have fallen off the mountain

The couple had reportedly hiked to a high camp on Saturday with plans to continue hiking the 14er to the mountain peak on Sunday, reported the Aspen Times. 

Some thought the two had stayed an extra day to witness the solar eclipse, an once-in-a-lifetime event, which occurred on Monday.

They were expected to return on Sunday. 

Brightwell worked at Aspen Emporium and Flying Circus for about two years and Marcil was working in the city for his family's business, which is based in Florida, reported the Denver Post.

Video courtesy of CBS 12 

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Share Marcil's sister wrote in a tribute to her brother: 'To my fearless bro... we had so much more to accomplish together, I will live through and for you every single day. I love you'. Pictured: Marcil and Brightwell on a beach 

Marcil's sister wrote in a tribute to her brother: 'To my fearless bro... we had so much more to accomplish together, I will live through and for you every single day. I love you'. Pictured: Marcil and Brightwell on a beach 

Some thought the two had stayed an extra day to witness the solar eclipse on Monday

Some thought the two had stayed an extra day to witness the solar eclipse on Monday

Marcil was also on the board of a local mental health advocacy group called Aspen Strong.  

Marcil's sister wrote in a tribute to her brother: 'To my fearless bro...we had so much more to accomplish together, I will live through and for you every single day. I love you. 

'Thank you all for the love and support I feel it and so does he.  Rest easy my very best friend.' 

The couple were 'fully in love' and talked about getting married, a close friend said to the Denver Post.

Their deaths mark the third and fourth of the summer on Capitol Peak, which is 14,130-foot tall mountain.

It is ranked as one of the most dangerous climbs in the state, according to Westword.  

Their deaths mark the third and fourth of the summer on Capitol Peak (pictured), which is 14,130-foot tall mountain

Their deaths mark the third and fourth of the summer on Capitol Peak (pictured), which is 14,130-foot tall mountain

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