Unidentified body found in Snowy Range

The Snowy Range became the scene of an active investigation over the July 4 holiday, limiting traffic on Wyoming Highway 130 at the Snowy Range Scenic Bypass and closing off the Mirror Lake Day Use area.

According to a press release from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, a report was received at 8 p.m. on July 4 of a body near Mirror Lake which was later confirmed by the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office announced there was no immediate danger to the public and the cause and manner of death was being investigated.

As of press time, the identity of the person had not been released or confirmed, but was later referred to as John Doe. The Albany County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release there was still an active investigation with the help of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Crime Scene Unit.

The investigation, which began on the night of July 4, carried on through July 5. On July 6, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office announced the Mirror Lake Day Use area had been cleared and was open to the public.

On July 9, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office issued a subsequent press release announcing the remains of the Mirror Lake John Doe had been transferred to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office for “a thorough examination.” The examination revealed John Doe was an elderly male and was discovered wrapped in a tarp at the Mirror Lake Recreational Area. There were no markings to assist in law enforcement identifying the Mirror Lake John Doe, according to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office. Due to this, it was announced detectives will analyze fingerprints, DNA and dental records to compare them to missing persons reports which may match the John Doe’s description.

It was also announced in the July 9 press release that the Albany County Sheriff’s Office is investigation the case as a homicide.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 307-721-2526 and to request to speak to a Albany County Sheriff’s Office Detective.