Remains Discovered on Ute Trail Identified as Missing 22-Year-Old

Nathan Schwartz (Image courtesy of the Denver Police Department).

Posted By: Terry West September 28, 2023

Human remains discovered by a hiker on the Ute Trail near CR 182 have been identified as a missing 22-year-old from Eaton.

In March of 2021, the Salida Police Department received a missing person’s report for 22-year-old Nathan Schwartz of Eaton, Colorado. Investigators learned that Mr. Schwartz was last seen at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs on February 21st, 2021.

On March 2nd, a vehicle belonging to Mr. Schwartz was located within the City of Salida. Upon discovery, a search party, made up of law enforcement, family, and friends, searched the City of Salida and surrounding areas but were unable to locate Mr. Schwartz. Investigators conducted several interviews and used other investigative measures; however, Mr. Schwartz was never located.

On September 23rd, 2023, a person hiking in the Ute Trail area located human remains near CR 182. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Chaffee County Coroner’s arrived and processed the scene. There were no signs of foul play discovered during the investigation.

The remains were taken for autopsy by the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office. On September 28th, 2023, the Chaffee County Coroner’s Office positively identified the remains as Nathan Schwartz, by dental records.

At this time, the family has been contacted and the case is closed. All three agencies would like to send our condolences to the family.

Terry West
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