Investigation into the Death of Megan Trussell

[Mon. Feb. 17, 2025 | 3:50 p.m.]

We understand there are many questions about the Boulder County Sheriff's Office death investigation over the weekend. CUPD is supporting the Boulder County Sheriff's Office and will share updates when new information becomes available. 

The latest update provided to the community by BCSO can be found on their website.

Please continue to refer tips to CUPD at 303-492-6666.

CU Boulder sent a campuswide message with support resources on Saturday.

Find it here. https://www.colorado.edu/chancellor/newsletter/newsletter/campus-support-and-resources-regarding-missing-student-case

[Sat. Feb. 15, 2025 | 5:37 p.m.]

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has notified CUPD that a deceased person matching the description of a missing CU Boulder student was discovered this morning near mile marker 40 in Boulder Canyon. CUPD is working to confirm additional details and will communicate those as soon as we are able. The Boulder County Coroner is responsible for identification and cause of death.

Boulder County Sheriff's Office Media Release 

[Fri. Feb. 14, 2025 | 8:20 p.m.]

Throughout the weekend, CUPD will continue to follow up on all leads and any information that will aid in our efforts to locate missing student Megan Trussell. We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners during this time, as well as the support provided by students, faculty and staff who continue to share information from CUPD social media accounts and our website.

If you have any information that could lead to the whereabouts of Megan, please contact CUPD at 303-492-6666 and reference CUPD case #2025-0291. 

Please follow @cuboulderpolice on social media and refer to CUPD’s website for further updates. 

[Fri. Feb. 14, 2025 | 12:00 p.m.]

The CU Boulder Police Department is leveraging every available resource in its attempt to locate missing student Megan Trussell. CUPD is working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and first responders on campus, on the ground and in the air. 

The CUPD embedded victim advocate and Student Affairs staff have been providing support to Megan’s family during this difficult time.

We understand that there have been questions about when the university publicly released information about Megan’s disappearance. CUPD released information as soon as Megan’s missing status was confirmed and it was determined releasing such information would be helpful in the search. CUPD received a missing persons report on Wed. Feb. 12.

If you have any information that could lead to the whereabouts of Megan, please contact CUPD at 303-492-6666 and reference CUPD case #2025-0291. 

Please follow @cuboulderpolice on social media and refer to CUPD’s website for further updates. 

[Thurs. Feb. 13, 2025 | 12:15 p.m.]

The CU Boulder Police Department is attempting to locate a missing student, Megan Trussell. CUPD has notified and is working with local and statewide law enforcement agencies to locate Megan. 

She was last seen wearing a blue/gray jacket, dark colored yoga-style pants and white platform sneakers. Based on information shared with CUPD, the last reported sighting of the student was Sunday, Feb. 9 in her residence hall.

If you have seen Megan or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact CUPD at 303-492-6666 and reference CUPD case #2025-0291.

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Conclusion of Investigation into the Death of Megan Trussell

[Tues. May 27, 2025 | 11:40 a.m.]

CUPD and the entire CU Boulder community are saddened to share this update from the Boulder County Sheriff's Office on the results of their investigation into the February death of CU Boulder student Megan Trussell. 

Information can be found on their website.

[Tues. Feb. 18, 2025 | 5:33 p.m.]

Coroner Identifies Body of CU Student Megan Trussell 

The University of Colorado Boulder is saddened to learn that the Boulder County Coroner has identified the individual who was recovered in Boulder Canyon on Saturday, Feb. 15, as CU Boulder student Megan Trussell. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office released an additional update to the investigation today stating they do not believe there is or was a threat to the community. 

“This has been an incredibly difficult time, and not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search,” said CU Boulder Interim Chief of Police John Monahan. "Our thoughts are with Megan's family and friends."

Megan was first reported missing to the CU Boulder Police Department on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“Megan was a beloved member of our community and we are heartened by the stories of Megan’s spirit and warmth that have been shared by friends and family,” said Dr. D’Andra Mull, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. “Loss reminds us of the deep connections we share. Buffs, please continue to take care of yourself and others and reach out to campus resources when you need additional support. We are here for you. ” 

CU Boulder also offers a variety of support services for the campus community, including:

• The Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) provides free, confidential trauma-specific counseling and advocacy/support to individuals who have experienced/witnessed a potentially traumatic or life disruptive event. OVA offers 24/7 phone support at 303-492-8855.
• Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential mental health services for students to address a variety. OVA offers 24/7 phone support at 303-492-2277.
• Dean of Students Office (DOS) provides students any other form of support not listed above to help them succeed. DOS understands that recovery and needs after traumatic events can vary. Please reach out to our team in the Dean of Students Office through email at deanofstudents@colorado.edu or 303-492-9048.
• Students may also access 24/7 telehealth counseling through Academic LiveCare.
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) offers free and confidential counseling and consulting services to employees, both in-person and via telehealth. FSAP can be reached at www.colorado.edu/fsap or 303-492-3020.
• Additional Health & Wellness events and support are also happening throughout this week. 

CUPD is grateful for the assistance of local, state and federal law enforcement partners and first responders in the effort to locate Megan, especially the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and appreciates the public’s engagement in providing tips and leads.

The Boulder County Coroner's Office is responsible for determining the final cause and manner of death.