Gunnison County Sheriff's Office - Colorado

10/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Missing Crested Butte Man Located Deceased After Three-Day Search in Lake Irwin Area

GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. — On Sunday, October 25, 2026, a local man was reported missing in the Lake Irwin area of Gunnison County, above Crested Butte, Colorado.

The Mount Crested Butte Police Department, Crested Butte Search and Rescue, Western State Search and Rescue, Care Flight, and Flight for Life participated in search efforts over the following three days.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the body of 61-year-old Matthew Laggis of Crested Butte, Colorado, was located.

The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the search and rescue teams and aviation resources that assisted in the search efforts.

“Our sincere condolences go out to Matthew Laggis’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this loss.”

Adam W. Murdie
Sheriff
Gunnison County

10/27/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Missing Montrose Man Recovered from Blue Mesa Reservoir

GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. October 27, 2026 — The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office reports that the body of 75-year-old Don Yoshihara of Montrose, Colorado, was recovered from Blue Mesa Reservoir on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, following a search near the Dillon Pinnacles area.

The Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a vehicle near the Dillon Pinnacles area of Blue Mesa Reservoir that matched the description of a vehicle associated with a missing person from Montrose. The vehicle had reportedly been parked in the area for several days.

Deputies initiated a search of the area, and Western State Search and Rescue personnel were deployed to assist. Search efforts continued into the evening of Monday, October 26, but were suspended due to darkness.

Search operations resumed the following morning, Tuesday, October 27, when search personnel recovered the body of Don Yoshihara from within Blue Mesa Reservoir.

The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the efforts of Western State Search and Rescue, National Park Service and all personnel involved in the search and recovery operation. Our condolences go out to the family of Mr. Yoshihara.

Sheriff
Adam W. Murdie
Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office

10/27/2026

On October 24, 2026, at approximately 9:10 a.m., the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a single-engine aircraft crash in the Storm Ridge area of the West Elk Wilderness in Gunnison County, Colorado. The crash occurred in an extremely remote and rugged high-mountain environment, where poor weather and winter-like conditions made an already challenging response even more difficult.

Tragically, all three individuals aboard the aircraft lost their lives. In the hours that followed, numerous first responders, search and rescue personnel, volunteers, and citizens of the Gunnison Valley worked together to bring these individuals out of the mountainous terrain and back to their loved ones.

I want to personally express my sincere gratitude to every individual who stepped forward and worked under such treacherous conditions to help bring these family members home. Your willingness to serve, your selflessness, and your commitment to helping others during such a difficult time exemplify the very best of our community.

A special thank-you goes to Dan and Heidi of Tenderfoot Outfitters, who immediately stepped up with their animals and equipment to assist in getting first responders to the scene and helping bring everyone home. Castleton Ranch and their staff for all of their assistance, Western State Search and Rescue, Crested Butte Search and Rescue, members of the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service and the Gunnison County Coroner all played important roles in this difficult mission.

This was an exceptionally challenging operation, not only because of the unforgiving terrain and severe weather conditions, but also because of the tragic circumstances and the lives affected by this incident. Everyone involved carried the weight of this loss while continuing to do the difficult work that needed to be done.

To everyone who responded, assisted, volunteered, or supported this effort in any way, thank you. Your compassion, courage, and willingness to help during one of the most difficult circumstances imaginable will not be forgotten. The strength of the Gunnison Valley community was evident throughout this mission.

Finally, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the three individuals who lost their lives. We offer our deepest condolences and hope they find comfort and strength in the days ahead. May they know that their loved ones were treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and that an entire community came together to help bring them home.

Adam W. Murdie
Gunnison County Sheriff

10/25/2026

PRESS RELEASE
October 25, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gunnison County Coroner’s Office
Gunnison, Colorado

Three Fatalities Confirmed in Aircraft Crash Near Swampy Pass

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m., the Gunnison Regional 9-1-1 Center received a report of a small aircraft crash in a remote wilderness area near Swampy Pass in Gunnison County. Emergency crews were dispatched to the area and subsequently located the crash site.

All three occupants of the aircraft were found deceased at the scene. The Gunnison County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as:

• Mark Hendrickson, 46, of New Castle, Colorado
• Alan Hendrickson, 15, of New Castle, Colorado
• Case Hendrickson, 13, of New Castle, Colorado

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and U.S. Forest Service.

The Hendrickson family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the respect, compassion, and support they have received following this devastating tragedy.

Gunnison County extends its deepest condolences to the Hendrickson family during this difficult time.

Additional information regarding the investigation will be released by the appropriate investigating agencies as it becomes available.

# # #

************

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
25 de octubre de 2026

PARA SU PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
Oficina del forense del condado de Gunnison
Gunnison, Colorado

Se confirman tres víctimas mortales en un accidente aéreo cerca de Swampy Pass

El sábado 24 de octubre de 2026, aproximadamente a las 9:20 de la mañana, el Centro Regional 9-1-1 de Gunnison recibió un aviso sobre el accidente de una pequeña aeronave en una zona boscosa remota cerca de Swampy Pass, en el condado de Gunnison. Se enviaron equipos de emergencia a la zona y, posteriormente, localizaron el lugar del accidente.

Los tres ocupantes de la aeronave fueron hallados fallecidos en el lugar del siniestro. La Oficina del Forense del condado de Gunnison ha identificado a los fallecidos como:

• Mark Hendrickson, de 46 años, de New Castle, Colorado
• Alan Hendrickson, de 15 años, de New Castle, Colorado
• Case Hendrickson, de 13 años, de New Castle, Colorado

Las circunstancias que rodean el accidente siguen siendo objeto de investigación por parte de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Gunnison, la Junta Nacional de Seguridad en el Transporte (NTSB) y el Servicio Forestal de EE. UU.

La familia Hendrickson desea expresar su más sincero agradecimiento por el respeto, la compasión y el apoyo que ha recibido tras esta devastadora tragedia.

El condado de Gunnison transmite su más sentido pésame a la familia Hendrickson en estos momentos tan difíciles.

Las agencias encargadas de la investigación darán a conocer más información sobre la misma a medida que esté disponible.

# # #

10/24/2026

October 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Gunnison County Sheriff's Office is aware of a small plane that has crashed off Ohio Creek Road in Gunnison County.

First responders are en route to the scene. Please do not call 9-1-1 for information.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

*****

24 de octubre de 2026 a las 10:30 a.m.

La Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Gunnison tiene constancia de que una avioneta se ha estrellado junto a la carretera de Ohio Creek, en el condado de Gunnison.

Los servicios de emergencia se dirigen al lugar del accidente. No llames al 9-1-1 para solicitar información.

Se facilitarán más datos a medida que estén disponibles.

10/13/2026

We want to share the following Winter Weather Advisories from the National Weather Service for Southern and Northern Gunnison County.

- Southern Gunnison County: https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=135108652
- Northern Gunnison County: https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=135108803

Please drive with caution and leave earlier; slow down when needed, especially on mountain passes.

To check road conditions, visit https://www.cotrip.org/

Brush up on winter driving information by visiting https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving

*****

Queremos compartir los siguientes avisos meteorológicos de invierno del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional para el sur y el norte del condado de Gunnison.

- Sur del condado de Gunnison: https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=135108652
- Norte del condado de Gunnison: https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=135108803

Conduzca con precaución y salga con antelación; reduzca la velocidad cuando sea necesario, especialmente en los puertos de montaña.

Para consultar el estado de las carreteras, visite https://www.cotrip.org/

Repase la información sobre la conducción en invierno en https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving

You are here: Home Travel Center Winter Driving Quick Links Campaign Materials Frequently Asked Questions I-70 Mountain Corridor GoI70 Travel Forecast and Tips GoI70 Carpooling and Parking Winter Driving https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving https://www.codot.gov/@-logo/siteLogo.png Winte...

09/27/2026

We want to update this shared post to let everyone know that according to CoTrip.org, the highway has been reopened to alternating traffic, with slower speeds advised.

Please drive safely. Road crews may still be working in the area.

*******

Queremos actualizar esta publicación compartida para informar a todo el mundo de que, según CoTrip.org, la autopista se ha reabierto al tráfico en sentido alternativo, y se recomienda circular a menor velocidad.

Conduzcan con precaución. Es posible que los equipos de mantenimiento sigan trabajando en la zona.

______________

Please see the shared post below from Gunnison Regional 911 Center about an accident on Hwy 50 near mile marker 126.

Emergency vehicles will be in the area 🚨, please allow them space to access and work. For updates, follow Gunnison Regional 911 Center.

******

Consulta a continuación la publicación compartida por el Centro Regional 911 de Gunnison sobre un accidente en la autopista 50, cerca del mojón 126.

Habrá vehículos de emergencia en la zona 🚨; por favor, déjales espacio para que puedan acceder al lugar y realizar su trabajo. Para estar al tanto de las últimas novedades, sigue al Centro Regional 911 de Gunnison.

*****Update 10:40pm*****

The road is back open to two way traffic. Thank you for your understanding with the earlier delays.

**************************************

*****Update 8:40pm******

Lanes are open to alternating traffic, expect delays as responders are still out working. Thank you for your patience.

****************************************

West Hwy 50 just East of Little Blue Canyon near Windy Point is CLOSED due to a major accident.

Emergency responders are enroute. No estimate on when it will reopen.

09/25/2026

Have a fun and safe Homecoming weekend to both GHS and WCU from the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office.

09/16/2026

The Gunnison County Sheriff has determined that all fire restrictions for unincorporated Gunnison County will be rescinded, effective Friday, September 18th, at 12:01 a.m.

Before building any outdoor fires or using devices, please check all local and public land ordinances for current rules or restrictions.

Continue to practice fire safety when building outdoor fires or using devices to prevent fire starts. While criteria have been met to lift fire restrictions, fires can still catch and spread.

💦 Make sure fires are put out completely, and shut-off valves are completely turned to the off position.
🧯 Have equipment or water nearby to extinguish fires that get out of control.
✔️ Build outdoor fires in established fire rings and keep the area clear of flammable or dry materials.

For questions, call (970) 641-1113 or (970) 641-8200 outside of regular business hours.

*******

El sheriff del condado de Gunnison ha decidido que se levantarán todas las restricciones contra incendios en las zonas no incorporadas del condado de Gunnison, con efecto a partir del viernes 18 de septiembre a las 12:01 AM.

Antes de encender cualquier fuego al aire libre o utilizar dispositivos, consulta todas las ordenanzas locales y de terrenos públicos para conocer las normas o restricciones vigentes.

Sigue tomando medidas de seguridad contra incendios al encender fuegos al aire libre o utilizar dispositivos para evitar que se produzcan incendios. Aunque se han cumplido los criterios para levantar las restricciones contra incendios, los fuegos pueden seguir produciéndose y propagándose.

💦 Asegúrate de que los fuegos se apaguen por completo y de que las válvulas de cierre estén completamente en la posición de «cerrado».
🧯 Ten a mano el equipo o el agua necesarios para extinguir cualquier fuego que se salga de control.
✔️ Enciende las hogueras al aire libre en los fogones habilitados y mantén la zona libre de materiales inflamables o secos.

Si tienes alguna duda, llama al (970) 641-1113 o al (970) 641-8200 fuera del horario habitual de atención.

09/15/2026

Please note that the closure area for the Gold Mountain Fire has been reduced as of September 15th at 12:01 a.m.

Full details can be found in the shared post below.

*******

Tenga en cuenta que la zona de cierre por el incendio de Gold Mountain se ha reducido a partir del 15 de septiembre a las 12:01 AM.

Puede consultar todos los detalles en la publicación compartida que aparece a continuación.