On September 26, 2025, at approximately 11:23 p.m., the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office received a call for help from hunters in a remote area of the South San Juan Wilderness. It was reported that CPR was in progress.
Sheriff Garth Crowther immediately activated the Conejos County Search and Rescue Team. Upon arrival, responders determined that the victim had passed away. Due to hazardous nighttime conditions, it was not safe to conduct a recovery mission with the Flight for Life helicopter.
At first light on September 27, 2025, search teams, along with Flight for Life, returned to the command post and successfully recovered the body of a 54-year-old man from Tennessee. At this time, the victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The body has been turned over to the Conejos County Coroner’s Office and will be sent to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office for autopsy.
Sheriff Crowther reminds everyone entering the wilderness to please be cautious and well-prepared for the challenges of the backcountry. There is no threat to the hunting public or those observing the fall colors in the area.
