Search underway for missing 23-year-old on Colorado's Longs Peak

A search is underway for missing 23-year-old Lucas Macaj, of Colorado Springs, at Rocky Mountain National Park.

According to a May 13 press release from park officials, Macaj was reported overdue late on Sunday night after attempting to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole route, leaving the start of the trailhead behind early that morning.

Macaj was last heard from around 1 p.m. on Sunday, when he sent a friend a text saying he was on the summit of Longs Peak. Significant storms moved through the high-elevation terrain in the park that afternoon. These storms would have further complicated travel in the already snow-covered and icy terrain.

Search efforts thus far have included air reconnaissance, a heat-sensing fixed-wing flight, and ground crews searching up to the 'Ledges' section of the route, which is located near the summit. Aerial efforts have focused on the area past the ledges, including the Trough, Narrows, and Homestretch section of the route, as well as the saddle between Longs and neighboring Mount Meeker. Boulder Brook Trail has also been included in the search.

Macaj is described as five-foot-nine and 155 pounds. He may be wearing a dark-colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki-colored boots, and a black backpack. He may also have a beanie and dark-colored gloves.

The investigation into the disappearance of Macaj continues. Anyone with information who might help with the search is asked to contact officials by using the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line, which can be called or texted at 888-653-0009. An email can also be sent to nps_isb@nps.gov.

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