Steven Grunwald

Found Deceased

Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

About Steven Grunwald's case

His exact route remains unknown, but authorities believe he may have been trying to hike the Glacier Gorge Traverse on Aug. 29. The route is considered “difficult” terrain, and includes 11 peak summits over approximately 19 miles.

Grunwald’s vehicle was found parked at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Sept. 10, and search efforts began the next day, the release said.

Recovery operations — which included a helicopter and a team of rescue dogs — were made difficult by poor conditions, including snow, strong winds and windchills of 11 degrees on Saturday, according to the park.

Larimer County Coroner, James Wilkerson, performed the autopsy on Grunwald’s remains, and determined the cause of death to be from multiple blunt force trauma injuries. Grunwald’s death was deemed to be accidental, and he mostly died on August 29, 2020 from a fall.

Grunwald gave a Tedx Talk at Syracuse University in 2019, and spoke of being an environmental biologist and exploring ancient organisms in relation to humanity.

Personal Characteristics

Age / Ethnicity

Gender / Hair / Eyes

Distinguishing Marks

Not Available

Profession / Education

Not Available

Height / Weight

Not Available

Activity

Not Available

Points of Interest

POIs

Glacier Gorge Trailhead

Last Known Location

In the Notch Below McHenrys and Powell Peaks

Body Found

Investigative Details

Foul Play Suspected: No
Suicide Suspected: No
Cause of Death: Accident - Fall

Significant Dates

Reported Missing: Thursday, September 10, 2020 (4 years ago)
Date Found: Monday, September 14, 2020 (4 years ago)

Administrative Details

Monday, January 8, 2024 (4 months ago)

Missing NPF Public Identification Number (MPID) 10008

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