Identified! CO - Lake George, Lost Creek Wilderness, WhtMale 25-50, UP71762, back pack, hiking poles, knife, Braves cap, Jun'20 - Gregory Allan Woodford

[Coffee56]

Couldn’t find a thread for this. Seems identifiable with so many items.


Date Body FoundJune 19, 2020
Location FoundLake George, Colorado

Case Information

Case Numbers
NCMEC Number--
ME/C Case Number2020-035
Demographics
SexMale
Race / EthnicityWhite / Caucasian
Possible First Name --
Possible Middle Name--
Possible Last Name--
Possible Nickname--
Estimated Age GroupAdult - Pre 40
Estimated Age Range (Years)25-40
Estimated Year of Death2018-2019
Estimated PMI1 Years
Height5' 9"-6' 2"(69-74 inches) , Estimated
WeightCannot Estimate
Circumstances
TypeUnidentified Deceased
Date Body FoundJune 19, 2020
NamUs Case CreatedJuly 14, 2020
ME/C QA Reviewed--
Location Found Map
LocationLake George, Colorado 80827
CountyPark County
GPS Coordinates (Not Mapped)--
Found On Tribal LandNo
Circumstances of RecoverySkeletal remains found in the Lost Creek Wilderness off a trail. Subject has a back pack, hiking poles, a star of life knife, Atlanta Braves cap, Size 10.5 shoes, a Samsung S4 phone and a shotgun. No identifiable markings on any personal effect.
Details of Recovery

Inventory of Remains--
Condition of RemainsNot recognizable - Partial skeletal parts only
Physical Description
Hair ColorUnknown
Head Hair Description--
Body Hair Description--
Facial Hair Description--
Left Eye ColorUnknown
Right Eye ColorUnknown
Eye Description--
Distinctive Physical Features
No Information Entered

Clothing and Accessories
Item
Description
Accessories
Star of Life Knife
Near the Body

Accessories
Atlanta Braves Cap
Near the Body

Accessories
12 gauge Shotgun
Near the Body

Accessories
Samsung S4
Near the Body

Clothing
Grey hoodie
Near the Body

Clothing
Lee Shorts Size 40
Near the Body

Clothing
Shoes Size 10.5
Near the Body

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

 

[victoriarobinson642]

Sounds to me like he got lost hiking.

 

[YaYa_521]

Did they not investigate the Samsung S4 phone? Would they be able to tell at least where it was purchased, if not used? It seems that phone would have some mighty important clues.

 

[Coffee56]

Did they not investigate the Samsung S4 phone? Would they be able to tell at least where it was purchased, if not used? It seems that phone would have some mighty important clues.

My first thought too.

 

[YaYa_521]

Can anyone determine the color of the backpack found with these remains? Tyler Gorrell's car was found about 2 hours NW at Rock Creek trailhead. He's an experienced hiker who is familiar with trails in the neighboring county. His profile states that he might have a gray backpack with him. There's no mention of whether Tyler had a knife, gun, or any of the other belongings found with JD.

I have plenty of questions about Tyler but I can't find much information about him.

Example:
1) is he a Braves fan?
2) what size shoe?
3) Does he use Old Spice deodorant, Gold Bond powder, or any other of the items found?
4) on and on and on...

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
Tyler Gorrell – The Charley Project

 

[Coffee56]

Can anyone determine the color of the backpack found with these remains? Tyler Gorrell's car was found about 2 hours NW at Rock Creek trailhead. He's an experienced hiker who is familiar with trails in the neighboring county. His profile states that he might have a gray backpack with him. There's no mention of whether Tyler had a knife, gun, or any of the other belongings found with JD.

I have plenty of questions about Tyler but I can't find much information about him.

Example:
1) is he a Braves fan?
2) what size shoe?
3) Does he use Old Spice deodorant, Gold Bond powder, or any other of the items found?
4) on and on and on...

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
Tyler Gorrell – The Charley Project

It looks purple to me. I saw Tyler too but was hoping they knew more items he may have had with him.

 

[YaYa_521]

It looks purple to me. I saw Tyler too but was hoping they knew more items he may have had with him.

You confirmed what I thought too which is that it is purple. I was hesitant to say it so I wouldn't cloud someone else's judgement. Ty. I guess we can't rule him out on that alone. Hopefully someone will release more info about Tyler. I found this FB memorial for him but there's not very much there to go on.

https://www.facebook.com/tyler.gorrell.94

 

[UnlicensedPI]

Samsung S4 was released in 2013
Boots are Nevados Talus -- Amazon says first available 2015 but I don't know if that's when they were first manufactured
https://www.amazon.com/Nevados-Mens-Talus-Hiking-Boot/dp/B00SII97DW?th=1
There's a "Paracord Planet" bag and multiple carabiners. Maybe he was spelunking/rock climbing as well as hiking?
I'm seeing napkins from Chipotle
Can anyone read what's on his tent? IONOS?
I see what looks like a plastic grocery bag. That could give a clue about where he lives.
There's a keychain-looking disc with a carabiner-type plastic hook on one end and a metal ring on the other. I can't see the brand on it but it ends in -AK
He seems to be well stocked in first aid supplies
What is the metal thing near his backpack? It looks a bit like a larger version of the fold up shovel that came with my metal detector.
The star of life knife makes me wonder if he's an EMT/first responder. The first aid supplies could bolster this theory.
Can anyone find a brand for the backpack?
Wouldn't the shotgun be registered to somebody?

I think he probably disappeared between 2013-2015 because of the cell phone. He may have been a medical worker of some sort. He seems experienced. I think this one may be solvable through missing persons connections. I don't think this guy is like the other guy found in CO with a ton of weapons and gear who was most likely running or paranoid, or Mostly Harmless who seems to have walked away from his life intentionally and may have been lonely before hitting the trail. I think this one probably went out for a day trip and got lost/had an emergency.

Sorry if my thoughts are disjointed, I'm still pre-coffee

 

[Coffee56]

Samsung S4 was released in 2013
Boots are Nevados Talus -- Amazon says first available 2015 but I don't know if that's when they were first manufactured
https://www.amazon.com/Nevados-Mens-Talus-Hiking-Boot/dp/B00SII97DW?th=1
There's a "Paracord Planet" bag and multiple carabiners. Maybe he was spelunking/rock climbing as well as hiking?
I'm seeing napkins from Chipotle
Can anyone read what's on his tent? IONOS?
I see what looks like a plastic grocery bag. That could give a clue about where he lives.
There's a keychain-looking disc with a carabiner-type plastic hook on one end and a metal ring on the other. I can't see the brand on it but it ends in -AK
He seems to be well stocked in first aid supplies
What is the metal thing near his backpack? It looks a bit like a larger version of the fold up shovel that came with my metal detector.
The star of life knife makes me wonder if he's an EMT/first responder. The first aid supplies could bolster this theory.
Can anyone find a brand for the backpack?
Wouldn't the shotgun be registered to somebody?

I think he probably disappeared between 2013-2015 because of the cell phone. He may have been a medical worker of some sort. He seems experienced. I think this one may be solvable through missing persons connections. I don't think this guy is like the other guy found in CO with a ton of weapons and gear who was most likely running or paranoid, or Mostly Harmless who seems to have walked away from his life intentionally and may have been lonely before hitting the trail. I think this one probably went out for a day trip and got lost/had an emergency.

Sorry if my thoughts are disjointed, I'm still pre-coffee

I agree on the older Samsung pointing more towards 2013-2016. I’m an IPhone person but the 4 caught my attention as being outdated for 17-18.
There is a photo of Tyler holding a phone which looks more Samsung than IPhone but that really doesn’t help much.

 

[branmuffin]

Samsung S4 was released in 2013
Boots are Nevados Talus -- Amazon says first available 2015 but I don't know if that's when they were first manufactured
https://www.amazon.com/Nevados-Mens-Talus-Hiking-Boot/dp/B00SII97DW?th=1
There's a "Paracord Planet" bag and multiple carabiners. Maybe he was spelunking/rock climbing as well as hiking?
I'm seeing napkins from Chipotle
Can anyone read what's on his tent? IONOS?
I see what looks like a plastic grocery bag. That could give a clue about where he lives.
There's a keychain-looking disc with a carabiner-type plastic hook on one end and a metal ring on the other. I can't see the brand on it but it ends in -AK
He seems to be well stocked in first aid supplies
What is the metal thing near his backpack? It looks a bit like a larger version of the fold up shovel that came with my metal detector.
The star of life knife makes me wonder if he's an EMT/first responder. The first aid supplies could bolster this theory.
Can anyone find a brand for the backpack?
Wouldn't the shotgun be registered to somebody?

I think he probably disappeared between 2013-2015 because of the cell phone. He may have been a medical worker of some sort. He seems experienced. I think this one may be solvable through missing persons connections. I don't think this guy is like the other guy found in CO with a ton of weapons and gear who was most likely running or paranoid, or Mostly Harmless who seems to have walked away from his life intentionally and may have been lonely before hitting the trail. I think this one probably went out for a day trip and got lost/had an emergency.

Sorry if my thoughts are disjointed, I'm still pre-coffee

I don't know whether we can say when the hiker went missing based on the age of the cell phone. My cell phone is from 2017. I don't buy a new one every time they come out.

When I look at the satellite map he appears to be in the middle of nowhere. There's a series of roads slightly to the southwest of his discovery that have no houses on them. I don't know how old the satellite imagery is so I wonder if there are actually houses on them now.

I didn't see a picture of the star of life knife, did you? It seems like an odd thing not to provide to give the public a clue since there are so many makes. Lots of hikers, hunters and preppers use those type of knives beside EMTs so we need to enlarge the pool of possible people.

I am wondering about the shotgun. He doesn't appear to be on a hunting mission since he didn't have the usual array of tools for dressing game. There's no mention of a hunting license, he wasn't wearing any blaze items, etc.

I knew an ornithologist who traveled the world studying birds. In some areas he carried a shotgun or rifle with the approval of the local government in case of polar bears and other predatory animals he may have come across. I don't remember seeing any more shells in the inventory which is kind of unusual if you are carrying a weapon like a shotgun.

Based on what was found with him, it doesn't appear he was out there for longer than a day so I wonder where he started his hike.

Based on his clothing, it sounds like he started his hike during the warmer months.

ETA: Is searching for gold and other precious metals still a thing in Colorado? Could he have been looking to stake a claim?

 

[Coffee56]

I don't know whether we can say the hiker went missing based on the age of the cell phone. My cell phone is from 2017. I don't buy a new one every time they come out.

When I look at the satellite map he appears to be in the middle of nowhere. There's a series of roads slightly to the southwest of his discovery that have no houses on them. I don't know how old the satellite imagery is so I wonder if there are actually houses on them now.

I didn't see a picture of the star of life knife, did you? It seems like an odd thing not to provide to give the public a clue since there are so many makes. Lots of hikers, hunters and preppers use those type of knives beside EMTs so we need to enlarge the pool of possible people.

I am wondering about the shotgun. He doesn't appear to be on a hunting mission since he didn't have the usual array of tools for dressing game. There's no mention of a hunting license, he wasn't wearing any blaze items, etc.

I knew an ornithologist who traveled the world studying birds. In some areas he carried a shotgun or rifle with the approval of the local government in case of polar bears and other predatory animals he may have come across. I don't remember seeing any more shells in the inventory which is kind of unusual if you are carrying a weapon like a shotgun.

Based on what was found with him, it doesn't appear he was out there for longer than a day so I wonder where he started his hike.

Based on his clothing, it sounds like he started his hike during the warmer months.

Yay. I’m not the only one with an old phone. Everyone else just always seems to have the newest so I just assume I’m the only one. I wait til mine dies.
The pack items seem odd to me. I’m not a hiker but it seems a little over packed for a day hike yet some things I’d expect to see for an extended hike aren’t there either. And the gun. No report of self inflicted as cause of death. I think a shotgun would be for bigger game so I’d expect to see bigger game supplies. Protection? Running from something, someone?

 

[Coffee56]

Terrance Parks. Went missing in Feb so I would expect more winter type supplies. Also reports that he may be missing by choice.

CO - CO - Terrance Parks, adult, Buena Vista, 25 Feb 2019

 

[YaYa_521]

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

*4 IMAGES*

NamUs #UP71762
NamUs Case Created July 14, 2020
ME/C Case Number 2020-035
Male, White / Caucasian
Date Body Found June 19, 2020
Estimated Year of Death 2018-2019
Estimated PMI 1 Years
Inventory of Remains--
Condition of Remains Not recognizable - Near complete or complete skeleton
Location Found Lake George, Colorado
Estimated Age Range 25-50 Years
Height 5' 5"-6' 1"(65-73 inches) , Estimated
Weight Cannot Estimate
Hair Color Unknown
Eye Color Unknown

Circumstances of Recovery - Skeletal remains found in the Lost Creek Wilderness off a trail. Subject has a back pack, hiking poles, a star of life knife, Atlanta Braves cap, Size 10.5 shoes, a Samsung S4 phone and a shotgun. Size 40 shorts recovered. No identifiable markings on any personal effect.

Accessories - Star of Life Knife - Near the Body

Accessories - Atlanta Braves Cap - Near the Body

Accessories - 12 gauge Shotgun - Near the Body

Accessories - Samsung S4 - Near the Body

Clothing - Grey hoodie - Near the Body

Clothing - Lee Shorts Size 40 - Near the Body

Clothing - Shoes Size 10.5 - Near the Body

 

[Elana619]

Hopefully this is a quick ID. Looks like a well prepared day hiker during the winter.

 

[UnlicensedPI]

I found a bit of info on the bandage. It's this: 6" Emergency Bandage® - Military - PerSys Medical

First Care was absorbed by PerSys Medical. I found some of their supplies available on Amazon and other websites, but it looks like they advertise and sell to LEO, military, and EMS. It doesn't look like you can buy directly from the website.

On the picture of this Doe's bandage package, there is a label. It says "Sterile Date: 08/2014." Clearly, he went missing after this date, which is the important part!

 

[WingsOverTX]

IDENTIFIED!

The individual whose remains were found at the Lost Creek Wilderness Area in 2020 has been identified as 30-year-old Gregory Allan Woodford of Colorado Springs, according to the Park County Coroners Office.

Information regarding the cause of his death has not been made available.

Skeletal remains of 'John Doe' found by hikers in Colorado identified | OutThere Colorado

The individual whose remains were found at the Lost Creek Wilderness Area in 2020 has been identified as 30-year-old Gregory Allan Woodford of Colorado Springs, according to the Park County

www.outtherecolorado.com

 

[WingsOverTX]

Woodford was identified using a whole-genome sequence used to find the most recent common ancestor. His DNA matched with a great-great-grandfather, and officials worked their way down the family tree. Woodford’s sister uploaded her DNA, which was a match to Woodford’s DNA, into the United Data Connect database.
.....
Woodford’s mother released the following statement:
“Greg, who is also named Mario when he served in the Navy, was an extraordinary son and human being. He was such an intelligent, caring, kind, generous, selfless man. Greg was drawn to Colorado due to its exquisite beauty and his inherent love for nature and animals. Especially dogs. And his deep passion for the wolf sanctuary. Greg was dearly loved by many people whose lives he touched and he will forever be missed. Words cannot sufficiently express my gratitude and appreciation especially to Dave ((HES THE CORONER)) and also to the genealogist and everyone involved in all the time and effort and resources used to identify my son. You have my deepest, heartfelt thanks for not giving up. Thank you so much.”

Redirect Notice

www.google.com

 

[victoriarobinson642]

Woodford was identified using a whole-genome sequence used to find the most recent common ancestor. His DNA matched with a great-great-grandfather, and officials worked their way down the family tree. Woodford’s sister uploaded her DNA, which was a match to Woodford’s DNA, into the United Data Connect database.
.....
Woodford’s mother released the following statement:
“Greg, who is also named Mario when he served in the Navy, was an extraordinary son and human being. He was such an intelligent, caring, kind, generous, selfless man. Greg was drawn to Colorado due to its exquisite beauty and his inherent love for nature and animals. Especially dogs. And his deep passion for the wolf sanctuary. Greg was dearly loved by many people whose lives he touched and he will forever be missed. Words cannot sufficiently express my gratitude and appreciation especially to Dave ((HES THE CORONER)) and also to the genealogist and everyone involved in all the time and effort and resources used to identify my son. You have my deepest, heartfelt thanks for not giving up. Thank you so much.”

Redirect Notice

www.google.com

Gregory Allan Woodford, 30, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, was identified by the Park County Coroner’s Office using forensic genealogy. Officials say he had been living in Colorado Springs for several years.

 

[WingsOverTX]

So sad that such a young man has left us. The Lost Creek Wilderness is remote & beautiful. When I visited the trailhead, I decided not to hike as a lone female dayhiker. He was well-equipped, whatever his intentions. RIP "Mario"

I see that his NamUs profile has not been updated yet. I am not familiar with how that happens.

Does LE have to request it?

TIA

 

[YaYa_521]

Rest in peace, Greg.