Park Ranger James Randall Morgenson, United States Department of the Interior

Park Ranger James Randall Morgenson

United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Tuesday, July 23, 1996

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James Randall Morgenson

Park Ranger James (Randy) Morgenson drowned after being swept over a waterfall while on a backcountry patrol in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, California. Other rangers began to search for him after he failed to check in with dispatch at the regular time following the first day of the patrol.

Despite an exhaustive search, his remains were not found until July 2001, nearly five years after he went missing. The investigation indicated that he likely fell through a snow drift and broke his leg while crossing a creek, dying of associated injuries and hypothermia. His remains were washed down the creek and into a small cascade where they were hidden in the rocks for years.

Ranger Morgenson had served with the National Park Service for 27 years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 51
Tour 27 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Drowned
Location California

patrol, wildlife management

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My family just wants to thank God for Ranger Morgenson for his service to protect his territory and all rangers and officers also. They risk their lives daily and sacrifice daily comforts to serve. We backpack and love natural outdoors.
I chose to listen to the book called "The Last Season" and was so moved by his life and sacrifice.
My dad was a police officer in Ohio, 2 cousins and uncle state troopers in Illinois.

ARDIS J KUEHNE RD

November 28, 2024