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Remains Of Missing Hiker Found At Mesa Verde National Park

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Compiled from NPS releases

Published Date

March 4, 2025

The remains of an Indiana man have been found along the Petroglyph Point Trail at Mesa Verde National Park/NPS file

A little more than a year after an Indiana man failed to return from a hike on the Petroglyph Point Trail at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, his remains have been found.

Thomas Irwin, of Indianapolis, had headed down the trail back on January 15, 2024, but never returned. On January 16, his family contacted the park, and a search and rescue operation began. After an extensive, initial 10-day effort, searchers were unable to locate Irwin.

Over the last year, park officials continued the search, leading to Friday’s discovery of Irwin. Using a human remains detection canine, he was located within the original search area during an off-trail grid search.

"We sincerely appreciate and recognize the dedication of the Mesa Verde Resource and Visitor Protection Team and other park staff who continued the search for Mr. Irwin,” said Mesa Verde Superintendent Kayci Cook. “We are glad this provides some closure for his family.”

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