Rangers at Mesa Verde National Park found the remains of a hiker who went missing over a year ago, according to a park release.
Thomas Irwin, a 73-year-old visitor to the park from Indiana, was reported missing by his family on January 16, 2024, after he failed to return from hiking the Petroglyph Point Trail. After an extensive, initial 10-day search, search and rescue crews were unable to locate Irwin.
Park officials have continued the search for the past year, which led to Friday’s discovery of Irwin’s remains. Crews were utilizing a human remains detection canine, which located Irwin within the original search area during an off-trail grid search, according to the release.
“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.”
