You are here

Colorado Man Dies On Longs Peak In Rocky Mountain National Park

Share

Published Date

September 20, 2022
A Colorado man trapped by deteriorating weather died in Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS

Searchers spent the weekend looking for a Colorado man trapped by weather on Longs Peak/NPS

A Colorado man trapped by deteriorating weather died near the top of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Park staff said Russell Jacobs, 25, of Westminster, called a friend late Friday afternoon to say he was lost and the weather was getting cold and stormy. He also was not prepared to endure wintry conditions or to spend an unplanned night above 13,000 feet. That information was relayed to park rangers, who were able to make brief contact wtih Jacobs via text to find out where on the mountain he was.

Jacobs let rangers know he was going to try to reach the Agnes Vaille Shelter, but after that message communication was lost, according to a park release.

The Agnes Vaille Shelter below the Keyhole on Longs Peak/NPS file

The Agnes Vaille Storm Shelter is located just below The Keyhole on Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park Superintendent Roger Toll had the shelter built in 1927 in honor of his late friend, Agnes Vaille, a mountaineer who perished in a climb on Longs Peak.

Members from the park's search and rescue team began looking for Jacobs in the Boulder Field and Keyhole area of Longs Peak on Friday afternoon. Search efforts were hampered by accumulating snow, ice, 35+ mph winds, below freezing temperatures, night fall, and bitter windchill, the release said. Rangers were able to reach the Agnes Vaille Shelter, but could not locate Jacobs.

The search team set up shelter in the Boulder Field overnight in case the subject was still attempting to reach the trailhead. Searchers in the field reported snow and sleet continuing through the night in the search area.

Search efforts resumed prior to sunrise on Saturday. Rangers reported continued winter-like conditions in the area. A clearing in the weather allowed for Northern Colorado Med Evac air ambulance to fly over the search area to look for anyone in distress while rangers continued to search in the Boulder Field. The man’s body was located approximately 80 feet above The Ledges by park visitors.

On Sunday, rangers recovered Jacobs' body, which was transferred to the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.

The release did not indicate whether Jacobs died from a fall or hypothermia, saying the coroner would determine the cause of death.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Rip to a trusty rusty great dude 


Rip. I was so scared of falling and aborted at top of trough back in 2020. 


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.