Remains of missing Indiana man found after 13 months he went missing Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park.
National Park Service rangers discovered the remains of Thomas Irwin of Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday. He was was last seen on January 15, 2024, while hiking Petroglyph Point Trail inside the park. Petroglyph Point Trail is described as 2.4-mile loop trail which is narrow, rugged, and rocky, with several steep drop-offs along the canyon wall.
Irwin’s family reached out to park officials on January 16, 2024 about the missing hiker which prompted a search and rescue operation. A 10 day extensive search effort was launched but searchers were unable to locate Irwin. Over the ensuing year park employees continued the search which led to the recent discovery. Ultimately a human remains detection canine located Irwin within the original search area during an off-trail grid search.
Mesa Verde National Park Statement:
On Friday, February 28th, 2025, National Park Service Rangers located the remains of Thomas Irwin of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Irwin was last seen on January 15th, 2024, while hiking the Petroglyph Point Trail. On January 16th, his family contacted the park, and a search and rescue operation began. After an extensive, initial 10-day effort, searchers were unable to locate Irwin.
Over the last year, park officials continued the search, leading to Friday’s discovery of Irwin. Using a human remains detection canine, he was located within the original search area during an off-trail grid search.
“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. We are glad this provides some closure for his family.” -Mesa Verde Superintendent Kayci Cook
