News Release

Search Suspended For Missing Hiker

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News Release Date: June 27, 2020
Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-2833

Fruita, CO – The search for missing hiker Jim Fuchs was suspended today with the retrieval of a deceased male that matched his description from the search area. The identification of the victim and cause of death will be established by Mesa County Coroner’s office. The victim was discovered early Saturday, June 27, 2020 in rough terrain beyond the Devil’s Kitchen rock formation in Colorado National Monument.

Monument staff initiated search efforts for Mr. Fuchs on Thursday, June 25, 2020, in response to an overdue hiker report from a close friend. Searchers from the National Park Service, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team were involved in the search. Search teams began the night of Thursday, June 25, 2020 with a specially licensed drone equipped with thermal imaging and cameras. Working in shifts, almost 30 search and rescue volunteers methodically combed through miles of nearby canyons for any sign of Mr. Fuchs. 

Special thanks go out to the employees of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and all the volunteers of the Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team for their donated time.
 

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