Thomas Irwin, of Indiana, went missing in Mesa Verde National Park in January 2024.
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — Rangers have found the remains of a man who went missing in Mesa Verde National Park more than a year ago, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
Thomas Irwin, 73, of Indianapolis, was last seen on Jan. 15, 2024, while hiking the Petroglyph Point Train in the national park located in southwestern Colorado. His family contacted the park the next day, and a search and rescue operation began, the National Park Service said in a news release on Monday.
After an initial 10-day effort, searchers weren’t able to find Irwin. Over the past year, searchers continued looking for him, which lead to the discovery of his remains on Friday.
Irwin’s remains were found within the original search area during an off-trail grid search, according to the release.
“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 Mesa Verde Superintendent Kayci Cook. “We are glad this provides some closure for his family.”