DENVER – The focus of an investigation led by the Gunnison County sheriff’s office on Wednesday was the discovery of five severely decomposed bodies in the dense woods near a secluded campsite in western Colorado.
On Sunday evening, a hiker stumbled upon three of the bodies near the woods adjacent to the Gold Creek Campground, about 7 miles from Ohio City within Gunnison County. Deputies from the sheriff’s office arrived at the location and uncovered two additional bodies.
According to officials, all five bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition. Two of them were found inside a compact tent, zipped up, while the remaining body was discovered outside in the camp area. The campsite, tucked away in a remote wooded region, was not frequented by hikers on typical trails, officials said. The scene exhibited personal belongings, tarps, and a makeshift shelter composed of logs erected over a firepit.
The identities of the deceased individuals will not be released by the coroner until their next of kin have been notified.
Given the considerably advanced decomposition, described as “fairly mummified,” it is likely that the bodies had been present in the area throughout the winter and potentially since the previous autumn. Due to the extent of decay, conducting autopsies will pose challenges and is anticipated to require a minimum of three weeks.
“This is not a typical occurrence anywhere, by any means,” said Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdi. “Whether they froze to death in the winter or the combination of starved or froze, that’s what it sure seems like.”
