Rocky Mountain National Park defended its search for a missing Air Force Academy cadet candidate after his father claimed that not enough was being done to find his son.
National Park Service officials said Tuesday that the search for Micah Tice, 20, of Las Vegas would be suspended, citing “very few clues” and “harsh winter conditions.” Tice’s vehicle was found at the Longs Peak trailhead the afternoon of Nov. 26, and crews began searching in the area the next morning.
During a news conference Friday in Estes Park, Benjamin Tice pleaded for help from the public and state and federal officials, including President Donald Trump and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. He said his son could have sought shelter in an area that has not been searched.
“Limited searches were conducted and directed by the National Park Service and their search and rescue from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3 — a total of six days of boots on the ground,” Tice said. “The only six days was despite actionable intelligence given to the National Parks Service by the (Air Force Resource Coordination Center) of cellphone transactions in a zone that the National Park Service did not provide any foot coverage to. Hikers who have gone to this non-Park Service searched zone report that there are numerous shelters (where) a hiker could be protected from severe weather elements.”
