A 23-year-old hiker has been missing for more than three days after he vanished while climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Lucas Macaj, originally from Colorado Springs, was last heard from on Sunday afternoon. He sent a text to a friend stating that he had reached the summit of Longs Peak. This information was confirmed by a social media statement from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Macaj began his hike from the Longs Peak Trailhead via the Keyhole Route earlier that same day. Unfortunately, he was reported missing later that evening following significant storms that swept through the high elevations of the park. The weather conditions likely contributed to the challenges faced by search teams.
A search operation has commenced, which includes air reconnaissance, a heat-sensing fixed-wing flight, and ground teams composed of park rangers and local authorities. On Monday, a fixed-wing aircraft equipped with infrared and color sensors, alongside a Helitak crew from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control, was deployed to assist in the search efforts. Authorities have focused their search along the Longs Peak Trail, the Ledges on the Keyhole route, and the Boulder Brook Trail.
Authorities have described Macaj as 5-foot-9 and weighing around 155 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki-colored boots, and a black backpack. Additionally, he may have been wearing a beanie and dark gloves. His vehicle was found parked at the Longs Peak Trailhead.
As news of his disappearance spreads, many people have shared their thoughts and prayers for Macaj and his family on social media. The National Park Service encourages anyone who may have information that could assist in locating him to reach out. Those with tips can contact the NPS through their website, by calling 888-653-0009, or by emailing nps_isb@nps.gov. They emphasize that anonymity is preserved for those providing information.
This incident follows a concerning trend, as just a few days earlier, three hikers tragically lost their lives in California's mountainous regions. One climber was killed near Mount Whitney, while two others were recovered from the north face of the same mountain. These events have prompted officials to issue warnings about the dangers of hiking during early spring conditions, urging hikers to stay together and make responsible decisions.
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