Teens Rescued At 12,000 Feet After Getting Lost Descending Fourteener

VAIL, Colo. (CBS4) - Two teenagers who went missing in the mountains were found safe on Wednesday afternoon.

Tommy Hendricks, 18, and Matt Smith, 17, summited the Mount of the Holy Cross In Eagle County Monday evening.

When their families didn't hear from them on Tuesday they contacted authorities.

After an extensive search, a Black Hawk helicopter spotted the teens at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet. It turns out they had gotten lost in a whiteout.

"They hit the summit at 7 p.m. Monday. Storms came in and they were trapped. Thankfully they had equipment, experience and were able to take care of themselves pretty well," Eagle County Sheriff James Van Beek said.

The teens were were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

"This is a good thanksgiving present for all of us involved, certainly for the family, and certainly for the kids themselves," said Vail Mountain Rescue spokesman Dan Smith.