Longs Peak Search Continues For Air Force Academy Cadet

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CO -- The search for missing Air Force Academy cadet Micah Tice, 20, continued on Longs Peak Wednesday, according to a press release from the National Park Service. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members are currently searching areas in and around the Longs Peak Trail, East Longs Peak Trail, Granite Pass, and Jim’s Grove area. Search teams are also in the Estes Cone area, the Boulder Brook Trail area, the Storm Pass area and the Roaring Fork Drainage.

Due to extremely high winds, searchers are focusing their efforts below 12,000 feet and are unable to use air operations. The Larimer County search and rescue dog team assisted park officials in their search Wednesday.

Family members have created a Facebook page, Micah Tice Rescue, dedicated to the search efforts. They are accepting PayPal donations for costs associated with the search. His mother, Janice Tice, has put out a call to elected representatives asking for additional military help and resources.

Rocky Mountain National Park rangers were notified Monday, Nov. 26 that the U.S. Air Force Academy was asking for assistance in locating Tice, a cadet from Las Vegas, Nevada, who hadn't been hear from since Friday, Nov. 23. Park rangers found his car at the Longs Peak trailhead on Monday afternoon.

Tice's planned destination and route are unknown. Saturday's weather on Longs was very cold, with high winds and significant snow accumulation, according to park officials.

Park rangers are soliciting help from anyone who has been in the Longs Peak area since Saturday morning, Nov. 24 or who may have had contact with Tice regarding his planned route on Longs Peak. Those with any information can reach Rocky Mountain National Park at (970) 586-1204.

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