News Release

Recovery Efforts Completed Yesterday for Man Missing In Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: August 14, 2025

On Wednesday, August 13, a body believed to be that of Blake Kieckhafer, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was recovered above Emerald Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park rangers completed an on-scene investigation and recovery operations took place by helicopter. His body was flown to a landing zone in Rocky Mountain National Park and transferred to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.     

Kieckhafer was reported missing to park rangers by family on Monday, August 11. He was last seen in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, August 7 around 5:20 p.m. when he was dropped off by a ride share service.      

Investigations lead to search efforts being focused in the Emerald Lake area on Wednesday. Over 80 people were involved in yesterday’s search efforts. Several agencies and organizations assisted Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members with efforts including Larimer County Search and Rescue Dog Teams, Arapaho Rescue Patrol and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.      

The Larimer County Coroner’s office will confirm positive identification and release additional information.