Estes Park – More than 600 people gathered in a chapel nestled near Rocky Mountain National Park to share memories of Jeff Christensen, a park ranger who died from a fall while patrolling in the backcountry alone.
“Some say we face risk,” said Mark Magnuson, the park’s chief ranger. “In our hearts, we know it’s nothing compared to the loss of the wilderness.” Christensen’s body was found Saturday in the Mummy Range, visible in the distance from Hyde Chapel at the YMCA of the Rockies where the memorial service was held.
He was last seen on July 29 when he set out to patrol the rugged and remote area. An intensive eight-day search on the ground and in the air turned up no trace until Saturday, when a hiker found his body.
A preliminary report from the Larimer County coroner said Christensen died of head injuries from a fall he probably suffered on the day he was last seen.
Christensen, 31, had been a park ranger for four seasons and worked as a ski patrolman at the nearby Winter Park resort during the winter.
Dozens of co-workers from the resort and the National Park Service solemnly followed his casket as it was carried into the chapel.
Mourners shared stories of Christensen’s devotion to friends, his laugh and his love of the mountains.
Christensen’s parents, from Forest Lake, Minn., went to the pulpit together.
“It’s been an incredible week,” said Dale Christensen, his father. “It didn’t come out the way we hoped, but I really pray and hope that everybody can learn to work together.”
