Boulder County, Colo. - The Boulder County Coroner's Office has positively identified 22-year-old, Douglas Sumner, as the individual whose remains were discovered on the upper northern rim of Blue Mesa in Bluebell Canyon on August 21, 1971.

This identification marks the conclusion of decades of investigative and forensic work dedicated to restoring the identity of an individual who remained unknown for more than 50 years. While this represents a significant milestone, the Boulder County Coroner's Office is now seeking the public's assistance to locate Mr. Sumner's surviving family members so they may be notified.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Boulder County Coroner's Office at 303-441-3535.

Identifying unknown decedents often requires years or even decades of collaboration among medicolegal death investigators, forensic pathologists, forensic scientists, law enforcement agencies, and national partners. Continued advancements in forensic science, including DNA analysis and investigative genetic genealogy, have made it possible to restore names to individuals who may otherwise have remained unidentified.

The Boulder County Coroner's Office remains committed to identifying the deceased, notifying next of kin whenever possible, and ensuring every individual is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Every identification represents more than the resolution of a case - it is an opportunity to provide answers to families, restore a person's identity, and fulfill our commitment to those we serve.