The remains of a man reported missing in Mesa Verde National Park on Jan. 15, 2024, were found Friday, according to information provided by the park on Monday.
Thomas Irwin, 73, of Indianapolis, was last seen in Mesa Verde National Park on Petroglyph Point Trail about 1 p.m. The next day, his family contacted the park, launching an “extensive” 10-day search and rescue operation. His vehicle was located inside the park and his phone was found and turned into park services.
Despite search and rescue efforts, Irwin was not found. A search continued through the year, ultimately leading to the discovery of his remains, according to park officials.
Irwin was found through the use of a “human remains detection canine” and was found 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 park Superintendent Kayci Cook. “We are glad this provides some closure for his family.”
According to a press release from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation around the time Irwin went missing, he suffered from a cognitive impairment that could reportedly cause him to “be easily confused.” The condition required medication, which the release shared he may not have had at the time he went missing.
Montezuma County Search and Rescue, with the help of K-9 Search and Rescue from Dolores, also aided in the search at the time Irwin went missing.
During the initial search period, Mesa Verde National Park Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services Kristy Sholly said in a news release that teams were looking for Irwin “all over the park.” Sholly added that Irwin was thought to have completed the hike.
“We’ve had lots of air efforts by fixed wing, helicopter and we brought in a specialized dog team,” she said during the search. “There just haven’t been a lot of leads.”
