News Release

Remains of Thomas Irwin Located in Mesa Verde National Park

Date: March 3, 2025
Contact: Dalton Dorrell, 970-529-4632

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — On Friday, February 28th, 2025, National Park Service Rangers located the remains of Thomas Irwin of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Irwin was last seen on January 15th, 2024, while hiking the Petroglyph Point Trail. On January 16th, his family contacted the park, and a search and rescue operation began. After an extensive, initial 10-day effort, searchers were unable to locate Irwin.

Over the last year, park officials continued the search, leading to Friday’s discovery of Irwin. Using a human remains detection canine, he was located within the original search area during an off-trail grid search.

"We sincerely appreciate and recognize the dedication of the Mesa Verde Resource and Visitor Protection Team and other park staff who continued the search for Mr. Irwin,” said Mesa Verde Superintendent Kayci Cook. “We are glad this provides some closure for his family.”