Petition to Reopen Investigation into CU Boulder Student’s Death Gains Traction
Aug 28th
Boulder, CO – August 28, 2025 – A petition urging authorities to revisit the investigation into the death of University of Colorado Boulder student Megan Trussell has garnered over 1,000 signatures, fueled by ongoing concerns from her family and supporters. The 18-year-old’s death in February 2025 was officially ruled a suicide by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office, but questions about the case persist, prompting calls for further scrutiny.
Megan Trussell was found deceased near the 40-mile marker of Boulder Canyon Drive on February 15, 2025, six days after she was last seen leaving her dorm, Hallett Hall, on February 9. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office determined her death resulted from the toxic effects of amphetamine, with hypothermia as a contributing factor, classifying it as a suicide. The ruling was based on toxicology results, undigested prescription medication found during the autopsy, and other investigative findings, according to Coroner Jeff Martin.
Trussell’s family, led by her mother Vanessa Diaz, disputes the suicide determination, citing what they believe are inconsistencies in the investigation conducted by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). Diaz has pointed to details such as Trussell’s purse being found nearly six miles from her body and her body missing one shoe. Additionally, some of Trussell’s belongings were found scattered in the area near homeless encampments along Boulder Canyon Drive during the week her body lay undiscovered. Detectives interviewed members of the local unhoused community and recovered items, including Trussell’s phone, which was sold at a resale kiosk by an individual who claimed no direct contact with her. The BCSO concluded there was no evidence of foul play involving those interviewed.
The Change.org petition, launched by Trussell’s cousin Rebecca Perez, calls on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Attorney General Phil Weiser to reopen the case. The petition gained significant traction following the release of the University of Colorado Police Department (CUPD) case report on August 25, 2025, which outlined how investigators determined Trussell walked from her dorm to the location where her body was found in approximately one hour and 15 minutes. The family questions how she could have made this journey alone, given the distance, terrain, and scattered belongings.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as “heartbreaking” but has not commented further on the petition. Sheriff Curtis Johnson previously stated that the investigation, which involved CUPD, the FBI, and local forensic teams, was thorough. The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office supported this conclusion, stating, “Our review included the Coroner’s determination, autopsy findings, police reports, witness interviews, video evidence, cellphone data, and more.” They found no evidence to support a criminal case.
Diaz remains resolute in seeking answers. “When I hear about support like this, it just makes me feel so uplifted and hopeful,” she said of the petition. The family has hired a private investigator and lawyer and is pursuing an independent autopsy. They are also distributing care packages to the unhoused community in hopes of gathering new information about Trussell’s final days.
The CU Boulder community continues to grapple with the loss. “This has been an incredibly difficult time,” said Interim Chief of Police John Monahan. The university has made counseling and support services available to students and staff.
As the petition circulates, the family awaits further testing of the pill material found in Trussell’s stomach, hoping it will provide clarity. The investigation remains closed, but the sheriff’s office has indicated it could be reopened if new evidence emerges.
For those in need of support, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office encourages contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Channel 1 News, Boulder
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 September is Falls Prevention Month
Aug 27th
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
September is Falls Prevention Month
Each September, Older Adult Services provides evidence-based falls prevention programs for older adults. Program participants can receive practical tips and tools for staying safe and steady and learn ways to avoid falls and reduce fall risks by building strength, increasing balance and maintaining mobility. To view program details and to register, click on the program titles below. Registration required.
FREE Introduction to Tai Chi
EAST | Tuesday, September 9 | Noon – 1 p.m. | No Fee
Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise utilizing slow, relaxed movement, a quiet mind, and deep, natural breathing that stimulates the flow of qi or chi (intrinsic energy). Join Older Adult Services Instructor, Steve Arney, for an introduction to tai chi, emphasizing balance, and including time for questions and answers. No charge, registration required.
Feldenkrais: Move With Ease – A FREE Introduction
EAST |Tuesday, September 2 | 3 – 4 p.m. | No Fee
The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education® helps participants learn to move with ease using slow, mindful movements to achieve powerful results in terms of balance, flexibility, and coordination. Feldenkrais relates directly to functional movements of daily life and an improved sense of grounding, walking and support. Lessons will be done seated, standing, and lying on a mat. Instructor: Gil Kelly personally trained with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, and has been teaching the Feldenkrais Method for 40 years.
Dance for Balance
WEST | Thursdays, September 4 – 25 | 1 – 2:00 p.m. | No Fee
During Falls Prevention Month enjoy free dance classes offered by 3rd Law Dance/Theater. Based on the renowned Dance for PD® methodology, classes are designed for people living with Parkinson’s but benefit anyone with mobility concerns. No dance experience is required. Seated or standing, explore diverse dance styles and address balance, flexibility, and confidence through joyful physical activity. Instructors: Taught by dance professionals trained in the Mark Morris Dance for PD® method, part of a global network in 300+ communities.
Ukemi: The Art of Falling Safely
In Japanese martial arts, ukemi translates to “receiving body” or “receiving technique” and refers to the art of falling safely. Falls are a leading cause of injury across all demographics. In this class, older adults will learn the principles of falling without injury. After finding center through meditation and Japanese yoga, participants will warm up the body with light core exercises and stretches, then practice safe falling on a forgiving matted surface. Registrants must complete a pre-screening tool prior to participation. Instructor: Randy Thompson, 3rd degree black belt in Aikido.
Ukemi: The Art of Falling Safely – FREE Introduction
EAST | Thursday, September 4 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.| No Fee
This introduction program will provide a brief sampling of what participants can expect in each series.
Bone Appetite: A Holistic Approach to Rebuilding Bone Health
WEST | Monday, September 8 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | No Fee
Milk, yogurt, and calcium supplements are not enough for bone health. This program will review the multiple risk factors for bone loss, and the different types of osteoporosis. Learn which approaches and nutrients will help and which may hinder bone health, and different strategies and nutrients needed to put strength back in teeth and bones and improve overall health. Instructor: Erin Williams, MSN CN LMP, is the founder of EZBalance, a health and wellness company.
FREE Introduction to Tai Chi
EAST | Tuesday, September 9 | Noon – 1 p.m. | No Fee
Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise utilizing slow, relaxed movement, a quiet mind, and deep, natural breathing that stimulates the flow of qi or chi (intrinsic energy). Join Older Adult Services Instructor, Steve Arney, for an introduction to tai chi, emphasizing balance, and including time for questions and answers. No charge, registration required.
A Mindful Approach to Falls Prevention
EAST | Tuesday, September 9 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | No Fee
In this class participants will practice guided meditation and integrate multiple strategies to prevent falls. Mindfulness meditation is a practice of encouraging attention to the present moment. This class will offer tools to develop present moment awareness and apply evidence-based fall prevention techniques to everyday life. This class is facilitated by injury prevention and mindfulness professionals from Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, Boulder Community Health, and Intermountain Health.
Pain Management and Falls Prevention
WEST | Monday, September 15 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | No Fee
AdventHealth Pain Specialist staff will review the social, emotional and physical well-being dynamics of back pain and spine health, and the impact on older adults. This talk will include plenty of time for Q&A with Pain Specialist, Missy Smith, DNP
ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls
EAST | Wednesday, September 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. | No Fee
ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls is a class facilitated by injury prevention professionals from Intermountain Health, Boulder Fire-Rescue, and Boulder Community Health to review best practice strategies to prevent falls. Following the class, a physical therapist will be available to provide individualized balance screenings (spaces limited), and a pharmacist will be present to answer medication questions (spaces limited), please bring a list of medications with questions.
Injury Recovery and Strength Building
WEST | Monday, September 29 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | No Fee
When falls happen, recovery can take months and sometimes years to return to pre-injury levels of strength, activity and confidence. Laura Olinger will demonstrate and teach the tools and overall approach used during a personal injury requiring surgery and recovery, and to support class participants in returning to previous activities. Instructor: Laura Olinger with Vintage Moves, LLC focuses on wellness for all ages.
Steady Steps: A Falls Prevention Series
EAST | Thursdays, October 9 – 30 (4 weeks) | 2 – 4 p.m. | No Fee
This four-week Falls Prevention Series offers a well-rounded approach to staying safe and steady. Learn practical tips and balance exercises from a team of experts, including a physical or occupational therapist, pharmacist, community safety specialist, and vision expert, covering key topics to help reduce the risk of falling.
Head to the Boulder County Falls Prevention page to see the dozens of programs being offered across the county.
West Age Well Center
909 Arapahoe Avenue | 303-441-3148
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
East Age Well Center
5660 Sioux Drive | 303-413-7290
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Boulder closures Monday Labor Day holiday
Aug 26th
BOULDER, Colo. – All City of Boulder administrative facilities and Age Well Centers will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for the Labor Day holiday. The following facilities and services will be open:
Scott Carpenter Pool and North Boulder Recreation Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. East Boulder Community Center and South Boulder Recreation Center will be closed.
Boulder Reservoir will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The swim area will be open from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. Boats will need to be off the water by 8 p.m. with the exit gates closing at 9 p.m.
Flatirons Golf Course will be open from sunrise to sunset for tee times.
Open Space and Mountain Parks trails and trailheads will be open. Visit OSMPTrails.org to plan your visit to city open space. Read our 10 tips to help community members enjoy and protect open space.
The local HOP bus service will be running holiday hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at a 23-minute frequency. The HOP begins service on its expanded route on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
City of Boulder park hours are from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fires and outdoor grill use are currently prohibited due to an emergency fire regulation rule in place. Alcohol consumption is also prohibited, and dogs must be on a leash.
On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, parking is free on city streets and in all city-owned lots and downtown garages except for on-street parking in and near Chautauqua Park, where paid parking and free shuttle service to Chautauqua Park is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the Park to Park shuttle program’s last weekend of the 2025 season: Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1.
