Hiker who died on Longs Peak was member of Space Force

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Peterson Space Force Base has confirmed that 23-year-old Lucas Macaj, whose body was recovered from Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) on Thursday, May 16, was a Space Force Guardian at Schriever SFB.

Macaj was hiking Longs Peak in Boulder County on Sunday and last checked in with a friend when he reached the summit around 1 p.m., before dangerous storms moved in and Macaj failed to check in again.

RMNP rangers and rescue crews launched intensive search efforts, and Macaj’s body was found on Mills Glacier, near the base of Lamb’s Slide on Thursday. The investigation revealed that he had suffered a “significant fall.”

On Friday, May 17, Peterson SFB sent a press release confirming that Macaj was a space operator for the 8th Combat Training Squadron, part of Space Delta 8 headquartered at Schriever SFB.

Peterson said Macaj joined the Space Force in August 2023 as an interservice transfer from the U.S. Marine Corps. His USSF awards include the Air and Space Longevity Service Award.

“Space Delta 8 is a family and we have lost one of our own,” said Col. David A. Pheasant, Space Delta 8 commander. “I extend my deepest personal condolences to family, friends and teammates who will be grieving through their loss. We will make every effort to ensure those within our team grieving this loss have full access to the trained helping agencies available.”

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