The accident, which was not witnessed, is estimated to have occurred mid afternoon on July 29, while Christensen was on a backcountry patrol in the Mummy Range area of the park. An intensive search and rescue operation was initiated by the park early on the morning of July 30 and then continued under the direction of the National Park Service’s Type II Central Incident Management Team. Christensen was discovered at approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2005, by a group of hikers. His mother and father were out in the park at the time of discovery and were notified as soon as they could be reached. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office estimated the time of Christensen’s death to be “late p.m.” on July 29, 2005, which is defined as between 6 p.m. and midnight.

Christensen’s body was recovered Saturday evening, August 6, and evacuated by helicopter.
Investigators from the National Park Service and the Larimer County Sheriff’s office processed
the accident scene. A National Park Service employee fatality requires a Serious Accident
Investigation Team continue the investigation into Christensen’s death. This team is now
assembling and beginning to gather information. Upon conclusion of the investigation more
details will be released.