Depressed Ranger Disappears in the Wilderness | Randy Morgenson Case Analysis 

I was a seasonal employee with state parks for 7 years. Just as a park aide, but your assessment of the job is very similar to the National Park Ranger job. They are dead end, horrible paying jobs with zero benefits, but the sad thing is we fall in love with the job . I made life very tough for myself during my state employment, I wouldn't get a real job because I didn't want it to interfere with the parks job. So I would bartend part-time, eagerly anticipating the return of the park season every year. Never had any money or security, but man, it was such a fun job at times and I miss it dearly ❤❤

I love that you say he led an amazing life. Often times people will look at someone else’s life and see all the value in it but not be able to see it in their own. Just because life doesn’t go how you want or you aren’t where you want to be doesn’t mean what you have experienced doesn’t matter.

What a sad end to a life of service. Thanks for covering this Dr. Grande.

For some reason I especially want you to know how much we all appreciate your dedication and knowledge. Randy never got enough recognition and that is sad.

What a tender and thoughtful perspective. You honored this man and I appreciate this.

I didn’t know Park Rangers were so poorly compensated. That’s messed up.

Hi Dr. Grande. Often people apply for jobs when they are young, and the years slip away faster than they realize. Seeing trash in the wilderness bothers a lot of people. It’s so contradictory to what they expect to see. Here’s another slogan I thought of to add to your fun list: “Seasonal workers need only apply. Seasoned employees apply at your own risk.” ❤️👍😁🌵

I feel sad for Randy, thankless job and his love for the wilderness where things can always go wrong. Another great analysis Dr. Grande. People shouldn’t litter anywhere.

"Jobs that are fun don't always pay the bills " -The great Dr Grande

All work has value. I understand how Randy would have wanted a higher level job and felt like he had failed. But as Dr. Grande explained, he did a lot of good in the job that he did have. Going back to school in adulthood involves sacrifices of time and money. This does not stop many people from doing so, but it is still challenging and may take away more in family time or resources than a person can live with. I think it’s easier to at least finish your bachelor’s degree (or whatever level of education or certification is needed to start on a career-path type of job) than try to return to school later. Of course, that isn’t always the answer, as you might finish a degree and then once you start using it in the appropriate career, realize that you don’t like that career field. That’s what I did. My point is, life is hard, and I feel bad for Randy. RIP. You did a good job.

Poor Randy. I know how it feels and what it means to lose a family member to an accident in the woods, with the mitigating circumstance of depression. Deliberate? Accident? If it was an accident, it was because he was off his guard, unconcerned because of a heart so burdened that you may not be paying attention to little dangers that you would not normally miss.

What a sad story. It drives me crazy when people litter, it just doesn’t need to happen, especially in nature.

Such a sad story. I thought maybe Randy was so despondent over his upcoming divorce and knew that it was his fault ,so in a final attempt tried to right his wrong with his wife by leaving her the $100K . Hopefully she got to collect on it anyway as both his parents had passed away & there was no mention of children.

I wish things of value, like nature jobs and working with animals, paid better.

Backcountry ranger positions were coveted jobs for seasonals, definitely not a great way to get rich. Seasonal work with the NPS was a great hobby, definitely helped if you had someone to support you. Probably still is the case, all these years later. The lack of benefits meant your therapy had to come mostly from the great outdoors. Exercise and sunshine can help combat depression, but only so much.

Wonder why he had an affair and then was sad about getting a divorce. Like what did he think was gonna happen

When depressed, it does cloud your judgement and lead you to take more risks or be sloppy. I think it was a lapse of judgement that caused his death. I think the Park Service and the poor treatment of seasonal staff contributed to his state of mind

Dear Dr G, another excellent analysis. I have been keeping track of the various cacti in your studio. I have acquired a cactus that has the choice of battery operation. We watch your you tube channel together. It is a very nice cactus but struggles with your dry humor, which is perplexing as it comes from a totally dry environment. Many Thanks.

Excellent video! I once read a book about this case, but it was a horrible book - your video is way better! Thanks! One thing that has occurred to me is that Randy was, in some ways, a lot like Chris McCandless ("Into the Wild"). That is, it's sad that they died, but at least they were doing something they wanted to do in places that they loved.

I usually love dry humor (and I’m not a snowflake or overly sensitive person) but lately the sharp insults aren’t funny…they just seem forced and mean spirited. I always cringe for the families/loved ones who stumble across your videos and find themselves at the center of the ridicule…can’t feel good.

I often think of myself deceased, and that no one would know or care. But, it brings warmth to my heart to know that you have taken the time to bring Randy's story to life.

This one hit hard. I always wondered about this guy. Totally agree with your analysis. Thank you for giving his situation your time.

May favorite apocryphal misery recruitment ad is the one attributed to Ernest Shackleton for the ill-fated Endurance expedition: "Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honor and recognition in case of success."

the most shocking part of this story is that his parents weren't satisfied with his career choice as a park ranger, so he got them off his back by going to college for philosophy.

Hysterical slogans at the end. Sad but true. He was a trapped soul like so many of us.

This makes me remember that Jack Kerouac was a fire tower ranger for a season I think in WA state. He wrote Dharma Bums while out there in the wilderness. Randy Morgenson obviously didn't have good thoughts to be alone with.

I love the idea of being a ranger. The reality? Probably not as much.

"Join the park service - it's all downhill from here" Lol I love you, man.

Just a reminder , I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating if any of the cacti behind me are real or not.

Randy sounded like a decent person and perhaps somewhat altruistic (affair aside). Maybe $ just wasn't his thing. Thank you Dr.Grande, i don't always comment but look forward to and watch all of your uploads. Have a good night!

To me the most shocking thing about this story is that a part time ranger and an artist were able to afford a 700 sq foot home in California back in the 80s...

I’ve never understood why partners stray and then regret it almost immediately, then hope/beg to come back. She obviously had more self respect than he had for her. I hope she doesn’t blame herself for his depression and subsequent death. It’s shameful how seasonal rangers are treated by the park service. They deserve much more. I would NEVER leave trash anywhere, let alone the wilderness! Disgusting drty sloppy people!! Stay in your trash ridden homes and leave the beautiful places for people who are respectful of nature. Every year, after a small local festival, I have to remove someone’s small tent, just abandoned, in woods near my house. EVERY YEAR! I kinda know how Randy may have felt……anger, disgust, vengeful……disappointment…….take your trash to a bin at the VERY least. You carried it there!!

If only Ranger Randy had a therapist like Dr Grande.

It's sad that Randy wasn't able to bite the bullet to finish college and then apply for a permanent position. In my own career (college teaching), I saw many part-timers who would re-apply for their position. Of course, for some of them, part-time was all they wanted, as it enabled them to raise children and to avoid the stress of a full-time career. However, others developed resentment and anger.

There are people who say Dr. Grande once diagnosed someone but others say that's speculation. Thanks for all your work Dr. Grande.

Aw a sad story. It's a shame appreciation isn't distributed more equally in life. Make tons of money, leave a massive trail of destruction of the environment along the way, and you are so appreciated! We have such an illogical system guiding and encouraging us through life! I see things so differently through older and wiser eyes. Things should be done so differently, but I don't have the answers, I just know the goal shouldn't be a to have material riches. Sounds like he had the best life, but got depressed, could have done with some counselling to realign his thoughts, and maybe people should have to pay the actual price for Rangers and up keep of these wonderful places, instead of buying plastic crap!

I live adjacent to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so, over the years, I've known a lot of seasonal backcountry, climbing, and river Rangers. I've also known several men and women who packed horses and mules for the Park Service and Forest Service. Many of those who do it long term fit this profile, juggling part time work in the winter like ski instructor or ski patrol to make a living. A lot of them have trouble keeping a marriage together. I worked myself as a climbing guide for some years, but realized that it didn't pay. Starting and running a business here enabled me to spend much, much more time in the wilderness climbing and running rivers than I ever would have working for the Park Service or Forest Service (they also hire backcountry rangers). I've also managed to have a stable home on 20 acres adjacent to the wilderness I love in Teton County, while a lot of these folks are still trying to find a place to rent. I've seen people who chose Morgenson's path struggle, and know a number of them who are still doing it, and are quite happy. The ones who are happiest are the ones who continue to really enjoy working with people in the outdoors. Knowing this demographic I'm willing to bet this guy smoked his share of weed, which seems to dampen the mood of these middle aged guys.

Please don't be a litterbug! Randy sounded very idealistic. It does hurt when you lose your parents, this was a sad one. 🙏

The slogans 😂 Notwithstanding the light hearted humour, this was a special analysis and speaks volumes about you Dr Grande. You are a compassionate and important person. Wishing you continual success. With respect from Athens Greece

Sure wish this job had afforded the stability, appreciation, and pay to Randy that he deserved for his dedication. No reason why it shouldn't have been a well-paid, good position with benefits, other than skewed priorities in the American employment market.

I love these videos. Dr. Grande has a dry humor that never fails to deliver.

Not everyone has kids cut out to be entrepreneurs, bankers or other well-rewarded work. It is too bad parents in America have to feel so much worry when their children seem naturally inclined to work that is so poorly rewarded.

I recommend the completion of your Bachelors degree. Hang in there if you are academically inclined. Many careers just require a degree in anything.

Good evening, Dr. Grande! Perhaps Randy was simply a romantic and found a job that he liked and had an accident. While he might have been depressed, I don't think he intended to commit suicide. Well, his soon-to-be ex-wife benefitted from his death. Thanks for sharing.

Oh Dr. Grande, you never disappoint 😂

In my experience the seasonal Rangers and Ski patrollers do best if they find a teacher or a nurse to partner up with- steady job with family benefits. I could tell some stories about what those women put up with.

In David Paulides Missing 411 cases, finding just one shoe with bones and the hikers items scattered seems to be common. The Missing 411 movie is now FREE on YT. David Paulides discusses many topics on his channel.

"Analysis is not diagnosis, but the first step towards it." "An analysis is just the beginning of the diagnostic journey." "An analysis is a tool for understanding, not a diagnosis." "An analysis is a roadmap to diagnosis, not the destination." "Analysis is important, but it's not a diagnosis." "An analysis is a preliminary evaluation, not a diagnosis." "An analysis is a starting point, not a definitive diagnosis." "Analysis is a key component of diagnosis, but not the final word." "An analysis is like a compass, guiding the way to a diagnosis." "An analysis is a diagnostic tool, but it's not a diagnosis in itself."

Excellent video Dr. Grande. As always, your uncanny sense of humor is greatly appreciated! 🌵

Well I guess I’ll finally read my copy of the book! The hardest part of working and living in solitude is steering your mind. You get a lot of time to think naturally in between tasks and being in nature really does something to your mind. It’s crazy how sensitive your vision comes to the smallest movements or signs. You can start figuring out things that took place while you were gone from impressions and various people and vehicle tracks on the ground. Any sound that isn’t natural is suspect. Smells can scare me as much as sight, smelling big cat scat when your hiking in dense brush like I was yesterday gave me chills. Then you have to drive into a real city area and everything is flipped. Nothing is natural, the plants around you are more exotic than native, the smells of burned rubber, hearing a bunch of cars drive by as your waiting at the stoplight, surrounded by 8 people in the toothpaste aisle. If you didn’t like that before you’re gonna hate it now 😂. It’s not too bad but you gotta check yourself. Especially if you have an s/o or family that doesn’t live like this which most don’t. My s/o has said it’s made me a little quirky in some ways but helped me a lot more.

According to Abbey park visitors favorite questions are: 1. Where is the bathroom? 2 Where is the Coke machine?

leaving the 357 Smith and Wesson behind showed Ranger Randy was not any smarter than the average bear! Hey Hey Hey!

Those slogans I lost it and busted a gut!!!!! Sort of a tribute to Randy, also it is sad what happened to Randy.

I gotta agree with everyone else I’m reading…I appreciate your knowledge and your ability to share said knowledge with common people like me. You’re hilariously dry and I love it. Thank you for the content and I wish nothing but success and happiness.

Thank you for your Easter Monday 2023 upload. I got back from a taco lunch and can watch this before I listen to the hockey pregame show since the game is at 7:30 PM instead of 7 PM.

Boy....those Ranger benefits are great. You really only get paid when you die on the job. I liked: "Being paid in sunsets."

Leaving the NPS is one of the toughest decisions for those who wear the green and gray. Being a ranger defines us and is an identity we carry wherever our boots touch the ground. But we are only allowed to work our 1039 hours to avoid medical insurance, wages start at $15 per hour, our winters unpredictable, government housing dilapidated, and we are led on to believe that our permanent position is just beyond the next seasonal sunset. I’ve seen wonderful rangers with 15+ years under their sequoia-laced belts passed over for permanent positions due to park politics and disproportionate veteran hiring rights. Nine years after leaving my position in Yellowstone, I still fondly cherish these memories and camaraderie of my fellow rangers.

I know how it is, I get depressed & fantasize about dissappearing into the woods, leaving my job & everything behind. I never got married or had kids so it would be very easy to do, if I finally gave up.

I saw this case on the show Disappeared on ID.

Very witty right to the end. You never fail to make us chuckle.

There are a lot of people that don't have pensions nowadays or even health insurance, job security has changed, many jobs are now in a contractor basis. Kind of surprised by some of the harsh comments..

I'm flabbergasted! The rangers were always the coolest people, helping in all sorts of ways we couldn't even begin to imagine. They might bag up the trash, but that's because they're *cool* and we kids (some adults) would mess it up. Next you'll be telling me Santa isnt real.

I feel like we all got an opportunity to know Randy, it's nice he will be remembered.

Interesting info about the park rangers I wasn’t aware of. Thanks Doc, nice shirt.

I don't think it was regret at not having a "career" so much. He was perhaps struggling with the notion he had nothing to show for the choices he had made or situations that were put upon him--no family, few real friends, advancing age, a failed marriage, no money). Self-doubt hits like a brick at any age, title, or salary, but as you enter your 50s, and especially your 60s, there's a new urgency to the self-reflection. Some things in life you can work your way out of; some not so much. And the big question always looms: Will it really matter to anyone that I passed this way? I think that was on our ranger's mind as he spent all his years in mostly solitary pursuits. I feel for his sadness, but he did make a difference to everyone he may have saved, or assisted, or even simply made happy for a time. I have faith he has no doubts of that now and is resting in beauty and peace.

“The Last Season” by Eric Blehm is an excellent deep dive into this case. I read it cover-to-cover in a single night.

Damn, $1.35/hr in 1958 is worth $14.05/hr today.

Good one Dr. Grande, thank you. It seems the spouse is always sorry after being caught.

Jobs that involve lots of solitude ... appeals to me as a city-dweller but I know it takes psychological strength.

I had no idea that park rangers could be treated in such a way. I have considered it, tho' this would be a bigger city. And like you said it seems fun. Yet, i would not want to do it in the dark

Seems like a bit of a lost soul who never really settled on a way to be fully productive throughout his life. With his love of the outdoors and early contacts and experiences with the park service he could have made a good full-time career if he had worked harder, or perhaps conformed a little more, at the job. Also, like a lot of folks when deciding to have an affair, he never considered the consequences of taking his wife for granted or just how heavy (and depressing) those eventual divorce documents would be. While he did some very good things and had some good experiences, he ended up being just a sad case.

Dr Grande, According to wikipedia randy was born in 1945, not in 1942 as stated in this video.

You are informative, very clever and have a wonderful sense of humor. I look forward to your videos.

I'm gonna keep watching Dr Grande until I see someone I knows 😂😂😂 great content

My fav time of each day (when a new Dr. Grande vid drops) 🙌

Such a sad story. I mean a lot of these videos are sad, but this one uniquely so. RIP man

Drier than Gandhi’s flip-flop. Classic Dr Grande.

I mean no disrespect for Randy the Ranger. In the remake of the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” there was this love struck tour guide who took the Griswold Family on a raft ride and decided to take them over a Niagara Falls type drop and there was hilarious theme music as they all went off the Falls and tour guide at the last moment realized it was dumb. Funny clip in the movie.

Yosemite Valley, my home♥️ Lots of mysterious things happen in Yosemite Valley. Lots of disappearances & lots of strange happenings.

It’s all downhill from here. You’re too funny. 😂

Thank you for what you do, Dr. Grande! I enjoy watching your content every day.

REMINDS ME OF THE " LAWN CHAIR MAN," LARRY WALTERS FLOATING INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER OVER CALIFORNIA. YEARS LATER, WORKING FOR THE FOREST SERVICE, DEPRESSED, HE SHOT HIMSELF IN THE HEART, AFTER BREAKING-UP WITH JIS GIRLFRIEND. ISOLATION, DEPRESSION, AND HOPE AROUND THE NEXT BEND. LIFE CAN BE SO DIFFICULT BUT YET SO WONDERFUL.

Dr. Grande is the BEST! Love your channel❤️

Good evening Dr Grande, interesting analysis. Despite Randy doing what he supposedly loved, without a college degree, Randy was stuck in a low paying job. I feel for Randy. As always I learn something new from your videos. Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Disappearances are so Heartbreaking, No Answers!💔💔💔🙏🙏🙏

Randy was born 17 years before I was, but when I was 17, minimum wage was *still* $1.35 an hour.

Either way, RIP Randy. You were a valuable person.

Will you please do an analysis on Leticia Stauch? If you're not familiar with her, she's the step mom in Colorado who is currently on trial for the murder of her stepson, 11 yr old Gannon Stauch. She's pled guilty by reason of insanity and claims to have DID/multiple personality syndrome. Her lies (multiple) are mind-boggling, and her antics are even more bizarre. Tia Dr. Grande!

That part of California is beautiful. Always interesting Thank you Peace 💕🇺🇲

Idk why but this one was exceptionally difficult to listen to. I don’t mean to say any of The other cases aren’t tragic but this one especially feels relatable in every single way. I sympathize with both him and his wife. Wish he would’ve explored agriculture/horticulture. Maybe that would’ve made for at least not having to pickup the trash of visitors, and the possibility of working for himself. Super sad. Watched my parents go bankrupt and divorce when they were older, and I was young and get to watch them both get older and they’re both alone still and I help out how I can financially. It just sucks when things don’t workout how you wanted them to or how you planned. Even if you do things right the stock market might crash and you’re left with little money and your spouse might leave. Ofc there’s more to life than money or relationships but still, this one really resonated with me. Thanks for the great videos and hilarious commentary Dr. Grande!

Wow, I wish I could get involved in something like this. I mean it definitely has the potential to purify the mind, but at the same time it could end up being a troubling experience if you're not careful - but that's the risk you take if you really want to be a certified in positions like this. I mean look - it may be a fun path, but when you fall down you have to make sure you have the right shoes to handle stuff like this, ya know? seriously!

Kinda makes sense that he wrote June instead of July. He was distracted and made a mistake. Sometimes you only get one chance even if your experienced.

0:55 thats approximately $14.00 in today’s economy, for those keeping track at home.

Dear Dr. Grande, I'm in a different country but I know that so called "part-time" or nonpermanent workers on my island express the same frustration. Has anything changed in regards to the rangers status over the many years since this man disappeared and ultimately lost his life?

Randy was gay, look at the photos with Judy. My FIL is gay like Randy, married to my MIL.

I love the slogans, those are just too funny! 🤣🤣😂😅 Thank you for the analysis and the laughter, Dr. Grande.❤

As a former NPS employee, this is the best takedown of the NPS vis a vis labor relations. Just perfect. Makes me wonder if maybe the good Dr was a seasonal employee once upon a time it’s so spot on

Can you do a video about Tony Ferguson. He's a pretty big name in ufc and a very interesting yet broken character.

It's hard to understand why someone would want to be a seasonal more than once. But, I didn't realize seasonals could do law enforcement too. Seems like too much training and certification for a temp worker position.

I love the park service slogans! Spot on! Thanks Dr. Grande:)