Lucas Macaj: Colorado hiker goes missing after confirming he reached Longs Peak summit
ESTES PARK, COLORADO: A 23-year-old man from Colorado Springs has been reported missing after hiking in Longs Peak over the weekend. Lucas Macaj was last heard from around 1 pm local time on Sunday, May 12.
He had texted a friend that he was on the Longs Peak summit, but by Sunday evening, he was reported overdue late after “significant storms moved through high elevations in the park,” per Rocky Mountain National Park's Facebook press release.
What did Rocky Mountain National Park spokesperson say?
Search efforts included air reconnaissance, "a heat-sensing fixed-wing flight and ground teams on the Keyhole Route," an area Macaj hiked, including The Ledges, The Trough, The Narrows, The Homestretch and the saddle between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker, Rocky Mountain National Park spokesperson Kyle Patterson said.
Rangers also searched the Boulder Brook Trail. The search for Macaj continued on Wednesday, May 15.
"Team members have been reviewing aerial reconnaissance photos taken on May 13, for any possible clues," Patterson added. "Ground teams skied into the Hunter’s Creek drainage to the base of Keplinger’s Coulier," read the statement, per People.
Besides, a dog team searched the Longs Peak Trail to Battle Mountain Junction, while a third team hiked Chasm Shelter to the Loft and "other areas between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker."
On Tuesday, May 14, "strong winds, white out conditions, and low visibility" impeded the search, per a Rocky Mountain National Park Facebook release.
Subsequently, investigators could not search the loft area and the Keyhole route on Longs Peak. However, they managed to hike the areas above Black Lake and below the Trough and the Ledges areas.
On Monday, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members were assisted with air reconnaissance by Flight for Life Air Ambulance and aircraft from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), which includes a fixed-wing aircraft outfitted with infrared and color sensors.
Authorities released details of Lucas Macaj
Macaj is 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighs 155 lbs, has brown hair and green eyes. He is believed to be wearing a dark-colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki-colored boots, a black backpack, and may be wearing a beanie and dark-colored gloves.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line by calling 888-653-0009, by filling out an online form on the National Park Service's Investigative Services website, or by emailing nps_isb@nps.gov.
Internet is concerned with Macaj's disappearance
Netizens wished for Macaj's safety after he went missing. One Facebook user wrote, "Hoping he's found safe. Any updates?" Another said, "Praying the first responders find Lucas safe."
"Prayers that he is found, took refuge in a safe spot. Well wishes for all involved in the search efforts" added another user.
One commented, "Praying for a safe return for Lucas, and all of the SAR team. Keeping his loved ones close in my thoughts." "May he and the SAR crews be safe." wished one user.
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