BOULDER COUNTY — Authorities are waiting for confirmation, but they believe a body found northwest of the summit of Mount Meeker on Saturday may be missing hiker Brian Perri.
A climbing ranger with Rocky Mountain National Park found the body, according to the park. Additional rangers stayed at the scene overnight and an on-scene investigation started Sunday morning.
Perri, 38, of Ft. Collins, was reported missing July 5. His last known location was around Mount Meeker. On June 30, he texted a friend a photograph of himself from the summit. He was day hiking and expected to come off the mountain the same day, according to the park. After he was listed as missing, rangers found his car in the parking lot at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead.
Extensive search efforts began July 5 and encompassed 22.5 square miles above the tree line, plus forested areas. The majority of the search area was in rugged and remote terrain with loose rock, steep ridges and exposed cliffs. It was searched by helicopters, ground searchers, dog teams, drones and more.
The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will complete an autopsy to confirm the person’s identity.