Authorities have discovered human remains at a campsite in the Holy Cross Wilderness area believed to belong to a Chicago man reported missing in 2010 while on a five-day, 25-mile hike.
James Nelson, a 31-year-old experienced backcountry hiker, had embarked alone on Oct. 3 but several days later was reported missing by his fiancée when he failed to show up at their arranged meeting place.
He’d been well-equipped with food and clothing and a GPS device as he headed out for the first time in Eagle County, according to friends and family. Three dozen people, aided by helicopters and night-vision goggles, scoured the area for four days without success. At night, temperatures dipped into the 30s, with traces of snow.
On Friday, someone scouting campsites near Holy Cross City found what is believed to be Nelson’s camp. On Saturday, Vail Mountain Rescue and detectives from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office reached the location and discovered the human remains. The county coroner’s office will attempt to identify them.
A notebook found at the site suggested Nelson could have been experiencing altitude sickness. Some of his gear, including a camera, the GPS unit and a camp stove, may be missing. Kevin Simpson, The Denver Post
