Hikers find deceased male west of NCAR Mesa Laboratory

Boulder County, Colo. - On Saturday, November 16 at around 8:07 a.m., the Boulder County Communications Center received a 911 call from a hiker near the “Front Porch” climbing area, west of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mesa Laboratory in southwest Boulder. The caller reported that he had found a deceased male near the climbing area with a gun lying next to him. This busy hiking area is on City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks property but is in unincorporated Boulder County.

Volunteer personnel from the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted investigative personnel with both accessing the victim and recovering his body. At this time, investigators are still actively working to identify the victim, who appears to be a white male in his 20s. The official cause and manner of death is still under investigation, but at this time it appears that the male died from self-inflicted injuries.

The following agencies assisted in this incident: Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County Coroner’s Office, City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks, and Rocky Mountain Rescue Group. All personnel were clear from the scene by 3:00 p.m.

Free crisis services are available 24/7/365; please do not hesitate to reach out for help. Many resources are available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or by texting “TALK” to 38255.

The case number for this incident is 19-6613.

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/s/ Sergeant Clay Leak