The Larimer County’s Coroner’s Office has released the cause and manner of death for a hiker who died in Rocky Mountain National Park.

With assistance from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office through DNA comparison, the coroner identified the deceased as Blake Kieckhafer, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.

In a Facebook post, the coroner’s office stated that it ruled the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. The manner of death is an accident.

The autopsy was conducted Aug. 14. According to the coroner’s office, it’s believed the victim died on Aug. 9 from an accidental fall “based on the circumstances of the scene and death investigation.”

Family creates GoFundMe for end of life expenses and scholarship fund

Members of Kieckhafer’s family started a GoFundMe to help raise funds for funeral expenses. In addition, the family plans to use funds to start a scholarship in his name.

“Our hope is that this scholarship will not only support other young people in following their dreams, but also be used to raise awareness about the dangers of hiking or traveling alone, and to provide resources for preparation and safety,” writes Kieckhafer’s aunt on the page. “We want to help educate others on the precautions that can make all the difference — so that no other family has to endure this kind of loss.”

To donate, please visit GoFundMe.com/F/Bring-Blake-Home-Support-His-Final-Journey.

Recovery efforts

On August 13, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers recovered Kieckhafer’s body above Emerald Lake. 

The rangers completed an on-scene investigation and recovery operations took place by helicopter. His body was flown to a landing zone in the national park and transferred to the coroner’s office, according to a press release by the park.

Kieckhafer was reported missing to park rangers by his family on Aug. 11. He was last seen in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of the park on Aug. 7 around 5:20 p.m. when he was dropped off by a ride share service. 

The Emerald Lake area is approximately a three and a half-hour hike from the Upper Beaver Meadows area. The hike to Emerald Lake is very popular; it includes elevation gain and it is located at 10,111 feet, near to the Flattop Mountain.