Depressed Ranger Disappears in the Wilderness | Randy Morgenson Case Analysis

This video answers the question: Can I analyze case of Randy Morgenson?

Dr. Grande’s book Harm Reduction:

References:

[shedokoye]

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

[FettTheWatcher]

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.

[krystaljohnson]

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 ❤❤

[bthomson]

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.

[tracyking]

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.” ❤️👍😁🌵

[jackiegrice]

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

[artificefount]

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.

[vladimirputindreadlockrast]

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.

[charlottebronte]

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.

[Mandrake]

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

[Faythe]

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

[seascape]

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.

[susansandler]

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

[sabbottart]

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

[tothesky]

"Join the park service - it's all downhill from here"

Lol I love you, man.

[farrahfeathers]

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.

[anitaholmes]

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.

[TheDramacist]

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

[artawhirler]

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.

[ElSantoLuchador]

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."