Search suspended for race volunteer missing since July 17

Rescue teams have suspended search efforts for a 22-year-old Salt Lake City man who was last seen July 16 after volunteering as a courseworker for a 100-mile endurance race in Colorado's high country. A flood watch was issued for the San Juan Mountains on Wednesday, which prompted the search suspension.

Daniel Lamthach was last seen as he departed one of the Hard Rock 100's aid stations en route to a backcountry trek into the Grenadier Range mountains, according to DeAnne Gallegos of the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. 

That last sighting was on July 16. 

Lamthach was reported overdue July 21 after a concerned friend found his car parked at the Molas Lake parking area. 

Another hiker found Lamthach's cell phone on the Elk Creek Trail that day, confirming earlier information that Lamthach was headed toward the Trinity Peaks. 

Lamthach is an ultrarunner himself, Gallegos told CBS4, and "has a reputation for being healthy and capable climber and runner." He had told a friend at the aid station that the Trinities, along with Vestal, Arrow and Pigeon peaks deep in the Weminuche Wilderness southeast of Silverton, were "on his bucket list." He had told friends and family he planned on a day hike. 

"The hiker was lightly prepared for a day hike and seemed not to be prepared for overnight or a long period in the wilderness," the San Juan County Office of Emergency Management stated in a Facebook post.

Search efforts began July 21 by helicopter but ended due to darkness and cloud cover. Ground teams were inserted into the Trinity Peaks area Friday morning, but those and additional aerials were halted due to severe weather.

"I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Daniel, who at this time has not yet been found. We have had to suspend operations due to severe weather and the danger it presents to our teams. I would also like to thank Flight For Life, specifically Lifeguard 5, out of Durango, the Grizzly Peak Fire Team, the District Helitack Team, CSAR, La Plata County Search & Rescue, and all of the resources used and offered by surrounding agencies," said Tyler George Director, Silverton Medical Rescue, in a Facebook post. 

Last Saturday's search included the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control's Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) which has enhanced sensory capabilities including infrared. But again, crews were pulled out of the high country when storms rolled in.

Friends and family members of the missing man are trying to retrace his steps on trails the solo hiker possibly traveled. But authorized asked for coordination and caution.

"We understand the public's concern when a friend and family member is missing," San Juan County Undersheriff Steve Lowrance stated. "But taking on an independent search operation can cause more issues than the good that is intended, especially when it is in an unknown wilderness area to the group. Please allow the local emergency teams to manage such operations as they have the skill sets to do so."