ALLENSPARK, COLORADO – A three-day search near Allenspark ended in tragedy on Thursday, January 23, when search and rescue teams discovered the body of a missing 78-year-old man approximately half a mile from his home on Big Owl Road.
The search began after a concerned family member contacted the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office on January 21, reporting they had not heard from the man since January 16. Deputies conducted a welfare check at his home but found no sign of him inside. Evidence suggested he had likely left on foot, prompting an initial search of the surrounding property that evening.
Search efforts intensified on January 22, with 15 search and rescue personnel deploying search dogs, a drone, and foot patrols to expand the search area. The Sheriff’s Office also issued an Everbridge notification to nearby residents, asking if anyone had seen the man. Despite these efforts, no signs of the missing man were discovered.
By January 23, the search team had grown to 35 members, including volunteers from multiple local organizations. At 11:40 a.m., members of the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, a volunteer team of high school students, located a deceased male matching the man’s description. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office will confirm the man’s identity and determine the cause and manner of death.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
The search effort was a collaboration between numerous agencies, including the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Allenspark Fire Protection District, Boulder Emergency Squad, Colorado Search and Rescue Association, Front Range Rescue Dogs, Larimer County Search and Rescue, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, and the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol.
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips for the Backcountry
This tragic outcome highlights the importance of being prepared for Colorado’s unpredictable terrain and weather, even for short trips. Here are a few reminders for those venturing into the backcountry:
- Communicate Plans: Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Carry Essential Gear: Even on short walks, carry water, layers for warmth, navigation tools, and a fully charged phone or GPS device.
- Be Weather-Aware: Monitor conditions and avoid heading out if the forecast is severe or uncertain.
To support search and rescue operations, consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card. Proceeds directly benefit local SAR teams. Learn more and purchase a card at https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
