One year later, remains of missing Indiana man found in Colorado national park

A little over a year after he went missing, Colorado officials have confirmed they have located the remains of an Indianapolis man. Thomas Irwin, 73, went missing in January 2024 at the Mesa Verde National Park.

Irwin’s remains were found on Feb. 28, 2025.

“We are glad this provides some closure for his family,” Mesa Verde Superintendent Kayci Cook said. “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.”

He was last seen on the Petroglyph Point Trail on the afternoon of Jan. 15, 2024. Law enforcement found his vehicle and it was shared that he had cognitive impairment, which may cause him to be easily confused. He also required medications that he may have been without when he went missing.

On Jan. 16, 2024 his family contacted the park, and a search and rescue operation began. After an extensive, initial 10-day effort, Irwin wasn’t found.

Using a human remains detection canine, Irwin was found within the original search area during an off-trail grid search.

A cause of death was not immediately provided by officials in a news release.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.