Boulder Canyon Body Discovery: Missing CU Student Identified
Boulder, CO – On Saturday, February 11th, a body matching the description of Megan Trussell, a University of Colorado Boulder student who went missing on February 9th, was discovered in a remote and rugged area of Boulder Canyon.
Discovery of the Body
Shortly after 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, rangers from the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks alerted authorities about the discovery of a deceased female near the 40-mile marker of Boulder Canyon. Investigators arrived at the scene and identified the body as that of 18-year-old Megan Trussell.
A GoFundMe Transition
A GoFundMe page initially established to aid in the search for Megan has transitioned to memorializing her. "We will always cherish the memories of Megan’s vibrant spirit and the love she shared with us," wrote the organizer.
Identification Confirmation Pending
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the decedent’s name will not be officially released until identification confirmation and notification of next of kin are complete.
Technical Evacuation Required
The terrain where the body was found was difficult to access, requiring first responders to rappel and conduct a technical evacuation.
Last Sighting and Description
Megan Trussell was last seen on the University of Colorado Boulder campus at around 10 p.m. on February 9th. She is described as an indigenous female with red hair and brown eyes.
Last Known Clothing and Belongings
At the time of her disappearance, Megan was wearing a blue or gray jacket, dark-colored or red yoga-style pants, and white platform sneakers. She was also carrying a distinctive blue purse with a pink star.
Multi-Agency Search Efforts
The search for Megan Trussell involved numerous law enforcement agencies and first responders, including the CU Boulder Police Department, local, state, and federal agencies, and volunteer groups. The FBI’s field office in Denver assisted in the investigation.
Statewide Missing Indigenous Person Alert
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide Missing Indigenous Person Alert for Trussell on Friday, February 10th.
Possible Phone Ping
According to Judy Brocato, a family friend, Megan’s phone had pinged in Boulder Canyon on the night of her disappearance.
Unexplained Circumstances
The circumstances surrounding Megan’s disappearance remain unclear. "It is very perplexing how she just seems to have disappeared," Judy Brocato told Denver7. "It doesn’t make sense."
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Megan Trussell’s death is being led by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Boulder County Coroner’s Office. The cause and manner of her death will be determined by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.
Community Support and Closures
In the wake of this tragic discovery, the Boulder community has rallied together to support Megan’s family and friends. A stretch of Boulder Canyon Drive was temporarily closed to allow investigators to recover the remains and conduct their work. The Boulder Canyon Trail was also temporarily closed but has since reopened.
Additional Details
- Megan Trussell was a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder, majoring in environmental studies.
- She was an avid hiker and nature enthusiast.
- Her family and friends described her as a bright, loving, and adventurous young woman.
- The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing, and no further information has been released at this time.
