Boulder County, Colo. - The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Boulder County Coroner’s Office, has concluded its investigation into the tragic death of 18-year-old Megan Trussell, a student at the University of Colorado Boulder.

"The Office of the Boulder County Coroner, based on the examination and investigative findings available at this time, has issued an opinion that Megan Trussell died as the result of the toxic effects of amphetamine, and exposure to a cold environment (hypothermia) contributed to her death. It is a further opinion, that the manner of death is Suicide." Boulder County Coroner Jeff Martin stated, “Our opinion was based on several factors including but not limited to toxicology results and the presence of undigested prescription medication found during the examination.”

“We understand this investigation took longer than many hoped,” said Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson. “This outcome is heartbreaking, and our hope is that the findings may bring some closure to Megan’s loved ones and to the broader community. Our office typically refrains from releasing detailed information in suicide cases out of respect for the family and to prevent further harm, but we are sharing additional details due to the widespread public concern.”

Megan Trussell was last seen leaving the CU Boulder campus on the night of February 9, 2025. She was reported missing three days later. On February 15, her body was discovered near the 40-mile marker on Boulder Canyon Drive.

The investigation was a coordinated effort involving the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab, the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A thorough review of security footage, cell phone records, key card access logs, and witness statements was instrumental in establishing Megan’s movements on the evening of February 9.

The timeline shows Megan left her dorm at 9:36 p.m. and was seen walking alone on campus. The last visual confirmation came from security footage at 9:52 p.m. Cell phone data then indicated she traveled west toward Boulder Canyon Drive, where her phone’s last signal was recorded near the 40-mile marker. The phone stopped connecting to networks on February 12.

On March 2, Megan’s phone was traced to a resale kiosk at a Boulder grocery store. It had been sold by 50-year-old Elliot Michael Beafore, an unhoused individual who reported receiving it from another unhoused man. Beafore was arrested on May 14 and charged with Theft (Misdemeanor 3) and False Declaration to a Pawnbroker (Misdemeanor 2). He has since been released on bond.

On March 5, Megan’s purse was found by a community member near the 39.6-mile marker of Highway 36 along the bike path. The community member had looked inside the purse and found an empty prescription bottle with Megan’s name on it, leading her to call the Boulder County Communications Center. The purse was ultimately traced back to the same area in Boulder Canyon where Megan’s body was recovered. Neither of the individuals who were in possession of her purse or phone are believed to have had any direct contact with Megan.

Based on the comprehensive investigation and forensic findings from the Coroner’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, as well as a review by the District Attorney’s Office, we have found no evidence to suggest that Megan was physically harmed or killed by another person.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, or who knows someone who may be struggling, to reach out for help. Free and confidential mental health support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case number is: 25-00778.

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