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Body Believed To Be That Of Missing Man Recovered At Rocky Mountain National Park

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Published Date

September 15, 2020
A body believed to be of a missing New York man, Steven Grunwald, has been recovered in Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS HO

A body believed to be of a missing New York man, Steven Grunwald, has been recovered in Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS HO

A body believed to be that of a 24-year-old New York man missing in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado has been recovered.

Park officials said Tuesday morning that the body thought to be of Steven Grunwald, of Greenville, New York, was located Monday by a search team in the Notch below McHenrys and Powell peaks in the park. Rangers completed an on-scene investigation and recovery operations took place by helicopter Monday.

The body was flown to a landing zone in the park's Wild Basin area and transferred to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office. The office will not release positive identification until completion of an autopsy.   

Search-and-rescue personnel camped Sunday night near Lake Powell and resumed search efforts at sunrise Monday. Assisting park rangers was the Northern Colorado Interagency Helitak. A team consisting of a park ranger and members of Front Range Rescue Dogs were flown to the Thatchtop area. The dog team aided greatly in finding Grunwald. 

Grunwald was reported missing last Thursday by a friend. Park rangers found his vehicle parked at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. His last contact with family and friends was August 28. 

The man's exact route or destination were unknown, but it is believed he may have been attempting the Glacier Gorge Traverse on August 29, a park release said. The Glacier Gorge Traverse is an expansive route touching 11 summits over roughly 19 miles. It entails sections of fifth-class climbing and difficult terrain.

The cause of the man's death is under investigation. 

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Comments

Submitted by Richard Vogt on September 15, 2020 - 9:32pm.

My Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to the Friends and Family of Mr Grunwald,  A Big Thank You to All those who aided in the Search and Recovery!   

 


Submitted by Lisa Troxel on September 15, 2020 - 10:43pm.

So very sad . Condolences to you all!


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