New Information Assists With Search Efforts

Rangers meet during the search for Troy Green

News Release Date: February 3, 2013

Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

 Park rangers heard from two witnesses who indicated they spoke with Troy Green at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, at the Bear Lake Trailhead but did not see what direction he went from there. Between witness reports and park rangers' investigation, it is now known that Mr. Green purchased additional gear after he arrived in Colorado. It is possible that he was wearing black snow pants, a black puffy down jacket, black gloves and a black balaclava. He also was seen wearing hiking boots and a royal blue and grey camelback. At the time the two witnesses spoke with him, it was snowing and there were high winds.      

The third day of search efforts began early this morning, Sunday, February 3, for a missing man from San Antonio, Texas. Troy Green was reported missing Friday afternoon. Today, forty-five searchers were involved plus a number of search dogs. Park rangers were assisted by Larimer County Search and Rescue, Rocky Mountain Rescue, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, and Summit County Rescue. Searchers continued to concentrate their efforts on the popular Bear Lake system of trails; focusing on off- trail areas particularly in the Mill Creek Drainage and in the Flattop Mountain area. Intensive search efforts occurred in the area between Bear Lake and Dream Lake. Aerial search efforts continued over this entire area. Search efforts will be suspended again at dark. Yesterday, thirty-five searchers were involved and recon flights occurred over the search area. Searchers continue to face winter conditions with deep snow, winds and drifting snow.      

There was no new snowfall in the Bear Lake area last night. Snow depths and conditions vary in the area depending on the elevation. At Bear Lake, located at 9,475 feet, there was 9 inches of new snow from Wednesday through Friday. There are numerous trails that leave from the Bear Lake area. It is unknown where Mr. Green's destination was or what kind of clothing he was wearing.       

The Bear Lake area is a popular winter recreation destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. The fresh snow and blue skies drew hundreds of winter enthusiasts yesterday to snowshoe and backcountry ski in the area; serving as more eyes and ears to aid search efforts. High visitation is expected again today.   

Mr. Green was planning to attend a conference in Denver. When his wife did not hear from him on Thursday, January 31, she contacted the Denver Police Department. He did not arrive at the conference on Friday. On Friday afternoon, an advisory was given for his rental car that matched a vehicle found early Friday morning by park rangers at the Bear Lake parking lot.               

If anyone was visiting the Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, January 31, or Friday, February 1, park rangers would like to hear from you. Please call Rocky Mountain National Park at [phone].