Lucas Macaj: Internet mourns Colorado hiker found dead in National Park after 'significant fall'

ROCKY NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO: Officials with the Rocky Mountain National Park say searchers found the body of a man from Colorado Springs who was reported missing last weekend.

23-year-old Lucas Macaj was found in the Longs Peak area on Mills Glacier, near the base of Lamb's Slide, according to authorities per ABC News. His body was recovered on Thursday, May 16. 

What happened to Lucas Macaj? 

Lucas Macaj from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was recovered on Mills Glacier near the base of Lamb’s Slide on Longs Peak, a mountain in the Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park officials said.

Officials from Rocky Mountain National Park stated that recovery efforts were carried out by helicopter after rangers finished their on-scene investigation.

"His body was flown to a landing zone in Rocky Mountain National Park and transferred to the Boulder County Coroner’s Office."

Macaj was last heard from early Sunday afternoon "when he texted a friend indicating that he was on the summit" of the 14,259 ft Longs Peak, the National Park Service says.

Several organizations, including the Colorado Army National Guard, participated in the search on Monday, May 13.  Macaj was located by "air reconnaissance, ground teams, and dog teams," the NPS said.

After being reported missing, Macaj's vehicle was still parked at the Longs Peak Trailhead the following morning. According to the NPS, "significant storms moved through high elevations in the park" on the day he vanished. Macaj was attempting to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route when he vanished.

Per Fox News, a  description of Longs Peak, the NPS warns, "The Keyhole Route can experience winter-like conditions at any time, requiring greater skill and judgment" and to "Be prepared to turn back during sudden, drastic weather changes." 

Internet mourns 'tragic' death of Lucas Macaj

Several social media users weighed in on the tragic death of Macaj, with a user saying on Fox News, "Longs Peak is still covered in snow, I can see it from where I sit. Trail Ridge Road isn’t even open yet. There was no logical reason for this person to attempt Longs this early in the year."

Another user wrote, "This is so tragic." A user said, "RIP. Prayers to his family."

A user said, "As a lifelong climber and hiker I never climb without a partner. Just not a wise thing to do. " 

A user said, "Well, I'm glad they found his body to return to the family, and thoughts and prayers go out to his family." A user said, "So sad and heartbreaking."

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