Search groups scoured Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park on Monday for an skilled marathoner and path runner who vanished on Sept. 27, after setting out on a 45-kilometre route.
Chad Pallansch, a 49-year-old software program engineer from Fort Collins, Colo., was final seen at round midday on Sept. 27 and was reported lacking the next day, in line with the U.S. Nationwide Parks Service. Rangers confirmed his automobile was nonetheless parked on the North Inlet Trailhead on the west finish of the 1,075 sq. km park.
Pallansch’s itinerary was an expansive route of round 45 kilometres that included crossing the Continental Divide and travelling on established trails in addition to off-trail journey by way of steep talus slopes. Potential journey areas embody Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake and Flattop Mountain.
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park officers mentioned Pallansch had not tried this route beforehand however that he’s an skilled path runner who has run a number of routes within the park, together with Longs Peak greater than 30 occasions.
In an replace, park officers mentioned 55 individuals had been concerned in search efforts on Sunday, together with 38 search workforce members within the area, however that winds at larger elevations had been hampering air operations. Search efforts have change into targeted on the areas of Boulder Grand Cross, Mount Alice, McHentry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Stoneman Cross, Chiefs Head Peak, Tatchtop, Powell Peak and Andrews Glacier. Groups had been additionally looking path sections on the west aspect of the park that had been doubtlessly on his route.
Pallansch is described as 5 ft seven inches tall, weighing 155 kilos, with brown hair and blue eyes. He’s possible sporting a black ultralight jacket, black working shorts or leggings and a gray fanny pack. Pallansch had private navigation with him, however the system was not designed for emergency help.
📷 MISSING HIKER ALERT 📷
Title: Chad Pallansch
Age: 49
Final Heard From: Round midday on Wednesday
Location: Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park (RMNP), Colorado
Description:
📷 Gender: Male
📷 Hair: Brown
📷 Eyes: Blue
📷 Peak: 5’7″
📷 Weight: 155 kilos
📷 Health Stage: Match runner… pic.twitter.com/zchRsjVzsR— Lacking Folks In America (@MissingPeopleIA) September 30, 2023
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a heat-sensing fixed-wing flight, in addition to floor crews. Park rangers are additionally persevering with investigations.
