[LEADVILLE, COLO.] – With the help of a K9 team from Colorado Forensic Canine, at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Friday Feb. 6, Lake County Search and Rescue located the body of Colton Wilson, a student from Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville campus. He was located in an area on or near the south end of campus, near the Mineral Belt Trail and Highway 24.
The Lake County Coroner is investigating the cause of death, but the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has stated there is no reason to believe there was any foul play. Wilson had been missing since the afternoon of Jan. 29, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office had been investigating this as a missing person’s case.
“The Colorado Mountain College community is greatly saddened at the loss of such a young and promising life,” said Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College, who upon hearing the news today traveled to the college’s campus in Leadville to provide support. “Along with our board of trustees, we extend our sincere condolences to Colton’s family and friends, and are providing support services to our students and employees.”
“The college is extremely grateful for the many hours of searching conducted by Search and Rescue and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, as well as by many members of our campus community,” said James Y. Taylor, campus vice president in Leadville and Chaffee County. “We are also grateful for the concern, information, and support provided by the college community, the Leadville community and Colton’s friends.”
The Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation and will share additional information as it becomes available.
Sol Vista Health of Leadville will be available to meet with students now and on a continuing basis throughout the semester.