Body of missing Space Force Guardian recovered after days-long search in Rocky Mountain National Park

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - The body of a missing Space Force Guardian was recovered in Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, according to officials.

Authorities said 23-year-old Lucas Macaj was located on Mills Glacier, near the base of Lamb’s Slide.

Search efforts for Macaj began on May 13 after his friends reported him overdue from attempting to summit Longs Peak on May 12.

The Space Force Guardian was stationed at Schriever Space Force Base in El Paso County, Colorado.

Search efforts included air reconnaissance, ground teams, and dog teams.

According to Rocky Mountain National Park authorities, the initial investigation indicated Macaj took a “significant fall,” but the Boulder County Coroner is expected to determine and release an official cause of death.

In a release, the Schriever Space Force Base said Macaj had joined the Space Force in August 2023 as an interservice transfer from the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a space operator for the 8th Combat Training Squadron, part of Space Delta 8.

“Space Delta 8 is a family and we have lost one of our own,” Col. David A. Pheasant, Space Delta 8 commander, said in the release. “I extend my deepest personal condolences to family, friends and teammates who will be grieving through their loss. We will make every effort to ensure those within our team grieving this loss have full access to the trained helping agencies available.”

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