Boulder, Colorado — March 15, 2025

The Boulder County Sheriff’s continues to investigate the perplexing death of 18-year-old Megan Trussell, a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder, whose body was discovered one month ago in a remote area of Boulder Canyon. Trussell was reported missing on February2, 2025, an 1d her body was found three days later on February 15 near the 40-mile marker of Boulder Canyon Drive, sparking an ongoing inquiry that has yet to yield definitive answers.

Trussell, a Denver native and recent graduate of Northfield High School, was last seen alive on February 9 at her residence hall on the CU Boulder campus. Her disappearance prompted a swift response from family and authorities after her father, Joseph Trussell, grew concerned when she failed to respond to texts about lunch plans. “When she didn’t respond, I knew something was wrong,” he said during a memorial gathering held near the discovery site on February 17. A search ensued, culminating in the grim discovery of her body in what officials described as “hard-to-reach terrain,” requiring a technical evacuation involving rappelling.

The Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed Trussell’s identity on February 18, but the cause and manner of her death remain undetermined pending further testing. While the Sheriff’s Office has repeatedly stated that “foul play is not suspected” and there is no perceived threat to the community, the case has taken a puzzling turn with the recent recovery of Trussell’s purse, found miles away from her body. On March 11, the Sheriff’s Office announced that the purse had been “recently recovered,” though they withheld details about its location or contents, citing the active investigation. Reports from family members, however, have fueled speculation. Trussell’s mother, Vanessa Diaz, posted on social media that her daughter was found wearing only one shoe and that the recovered purse had a ripped side seam. “Someone ripped this purse from her,” Diaz wrote. “The damaged purse and the missing shoe lead me to believe there was a struggle, or, at the very least, another person with her when she died.” A family spokesperson echoed these concerns, noting the purse was discovered a significant distance from the body, adding to their skepticism of the official narrative.

Despite these claims, the Sheriff’s Office, led by Commander Jeff Pelletier, has maintained that the investigation—now officially termed a “case”—does not currently point to criminal activity. In a statement released on March 12, the office emphasized that the Boulder County Coroner’s Office will determine the final cause of death once all studies are complete. Attorney Michael Dougherty further clarified to local media that “this is not a homicide, there is no criminal investigation,” though the family’s doubts persist. At least a case has not been brought to the DAs office. Yet law enforcement including@FBIDenver have been very secretive about any criminal investigation. This has led to wide speculation about foul play by family friends and media.

Trussell’s loved ones have described her as a vibrant, compassionate individual with a sharp wit and a deep connection to those around her. “If you knew Megan, then you know there has never been anyone like her,” her obituary read. Friends and family gathered in the days following her discovery to honor her memory, sharing stories of her love for films, music, and her ability to bring humor to any situation. “She just made people happy,” her father told reporters. The university community has also felt the loss deeply. Dr. D’Andra Mull, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at CU Boulder, called Trussell “a beloved member of our community,” encouraging students to seek counseling services as they process the tragedy. As the investigation continues, authorities are still seeking information about Trussell’s movements on February 9, the last day she was seen alive. Anyone with details is urged to contact BCSOtips@bouldercounty.gov. For now, the circumstances surrounding Megan Trussell’s death remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving her family, friends, and the Boulder community searching for closure amidst lingering questions.