Remains positively identified as missing cadet candidate

Larimer County officials have positively identified the remains recovered in Rocky Mountain National Park Friday as those of U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Candidate Micah Tice.

Tice, 20, was last seen alive on the trail by other hikers Nov. 24, 2018, prior to a severe weather system moving into the area. His vehicle was located by the National Park Service Nov. 26.

Rescue attempts led by the National Park Service, volunteers and a team from the Academy’s Mountaineering Club, were hampered by extreme winds, bitter temperatures and deep snow as they conducted searches at elevations greater than 10,000 ft.

“I would like to thank the National Park Service staff and the many others who worked to find Micah in what were truly extreme conditions,” said Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, Air Force Academy superintendent.

Earlier this month, volunteers found part of a shoe, book pages and a watch they believe to have belonged to Tice and turned the items over to the police, which transferred the items to the NPS. Tice’s remains were located in an area previously targeted by rescuers following up on cell phone information during the initial search.

“On behalf of the entire Academy, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Tice family,” Silveria said. “At this difficult time, we hope they can take some comfort from the thoughts and prayers of the entire USAFA family and Colorado Springs community. Micah was a tremendous young man with a bright future and we all feel his loss.”