News Release

Search Underway In Mount Meeker Area Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: July 6, 2018
Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer, [phone]
Contact: Park Information, [phone]

Late yesterday afternoon, Thursday July 5, park rangers were notified by Fort Collins Police that Brian Joseph Perri, 38, of Fort Collins, Colorado, had been reported as missing. Perri was last known day hiking on Saturday, June 30, in the Mount Meeker area of Rocky Mountain National Park. On June 30, Perri texted a friend a photograph of himself from the summit of Mount Meeker. After rangers were notified of the missing man, they located Perri’s car in the parking lot at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead.

Late yesterday, before nightfall, a Flight For Life Air Ambulance assisted park staff by conducting a brief aerial search near the summit of Mount Meeker. Early this morning, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members began ground search efforts. The search efforts will focus on the summit of Mount Meeker and ridge lines extending off of Mount Meeker above tree line. Northern Colorado Helitack will assist with aerial search efforts today, pending weather and conditions.

Perri was day hiking and was expected out on Saturday, June 30. Perri’s destination was believed to be the summit of Mount Meeker. In the photograph he texted, he was wearing a tan full brim hat, sunglasses, and red backpack. He has minimal equipment and may have a yellow rain jacket and yellow orange puffy jacket. He had no known tent or camping equipment. Perri is 5’9” and weighs 160 pounds.

Park rangers would like to hear from anyone who has been in the Mount Meeker area since Saturday, June 30. Especially those who noticed abandoned gear or other clues. Please call [phone].