At a Glance
- A Colorado mother and her 6-year-old son were discovered dead in Canyonlands National Park on January 8, 2025.
- Authorities are treating the case as a suspected murder-suicide after reviewing evidence at the scene.
- The pair had been reported missing by Colorado relatives the previous day.
- Why it matters: The tragedy marks the first homicide investigation in the park this year, prompting renewed safety discussions among visitors.
A Colorado mother and her young son were found dead inside Canyonlands National Park last week, and Utah investigators say early evidence points to a murder-suicide.
The discovery unfolded Thursday morning after a tip about a suspicious vehicle near the popular Shafer Trail overlook.
Discovery at Shafer Trail
Park rangers responded to the scene around 8:15 a.m. on January 8, 2025, according to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
They located a woman deceased outside the vehicle and an unresponsive 6-year-old boy inside.
First responders performed life-saving measures on the child before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The woman was subsequently identified as the boy’s mother, the sheriff’s office confirmed in an updated release.
Missing-Person Report Filed One Day Earlier
Relatives in Colorado reported the mother and son missing on Wednesday, January 7, less than 24 hours before their bodies were found.
Authorities have not released the names of the deceased, citing the ongoing investigation and respect for the family.
The sheriff’s office stated that “based on all evidence so far, this case is being investigated as a homicide and suicide.”
No additional suspects are being sought, and officials believe the public is not at risk.
Investigation Status
Detectives from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the National Park Service, and the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner are collaborating on the case.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact causes of death.
Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from park entrance stations and interviewing visitors who were in the Shafer Trail area earlier in the week.
The Shafer Trail was temporarily closed during the initial response but has since reopened to traffic.
Community Reaction
Local residents expressed shock that such violence occurred in a region known for its remote beauty.
Canyonlands, Utah’s largest national park, draws more than 600,000 visitors annually and is widely regarded as a safe destination for hikers and sightseers.
Park officials have not announced any immediate policy changes but encouraged visitors to notify friends or family of their travel plans whenever exploring back-country roads.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who was in the vicinity of the Shafer Trail between January 6 and January 8 to contact investigators if they noticed anything unusual.
Information can be submitted through the San Juan County Sheriff’s tip line or the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.
Key Takeaways
- The mother and son were reported missing on January 7 and found dead the next morning.
- Evidence collected at the scene led authorities to classify the incident as a suspected murder-suicide.
- No other suspects are being pursued, and the park remains open to visitors.
- Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact law enforcement.
