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

Coroner Identifies Body of CU Student Megan Trussell: A Community in Shock and Mourning

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) community was struck with grief and confusion when news broke of the tragic death of one of its students, Megan Trussell. The 21-year-old junior, a beloved member of the campus, was reported missing last Tuesday, leading to an outpouring of concern from her peers, professors, and family. On Thursday, the Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the body found in a nearby wooded area as Megan Trussell. The discovery of her remains has left the university, local residents, and her loved ones grappling with profound sadness and searching for answers.

A Bright Future Cut Short

Megan Trussell was a student at CU Boulder, majoring in psychology, with aspirations to pursue a career in mental health counseling. Described as driven, compassionate, and deeply empathetic, she had already begun to make a positive impact on those around her. Megan’s passion for helping others, coupled with her natural ability to connect with people, was evident to everyone who knew her. Her professors lauded her dedication to her studies, and her peers admired her for her kindness and the warmth she brought to every room she entered.

Friends remembered Megan as someone who always had a smile for everyone and was fiercely supportive of those she cared about. Megan’s family shared that she had always been a loving daughter and sister, someone who worked hard to make the world around her a better place. Her sudden and untimely death has left a void that no words can fill, and those who knew her are struggling to come to terms with her loss.

The Disappearance and Search Efforts

Megan Trussell was last seen around 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening when she left her off-campus apartment in the vicinity of the CU Boulder campus. According to friends, Megan had made plans to meet a group of classmates for dinner, but she never showed up. Her absence was out of character, and by Wednesday morning, her roommates and friends had become worried. They reported her missing to the Boulder Police Department, who immediately launched a search for her.

Authorities began scouring the area, focusing their efforts on areas where Megan was known to frequent, including hiking trails near Chautauqua Park, popular with CU Boulder students. Megan was an avid hiker and nature lover, often spending time in the outdoors to relax and clear her mind. It was in this area, on Wednesday afternoon, that a group of hikers discovered the body of a young woman, partially obscured by brush, in a secluded area near the trail.

The discovery of the body prompted an immediate investigation. While the identity of the deceased was not initially confirmed, local law enforcement officials warned the public to prepare for a possible confirmation of Megan’s identity. Authorities cordoned off the area and initiated a comprehensive forensic examination of the site.

The search effort involved not only local police but also volunteers from the community, who came together to help locate the missing student. Megan’s friends, family, and university staff remained hopeful throughout the search, holding on to the possibility of her being found alive. However, the news of her death on Thursday marked the beginning of a new chapter of grief and uncertainty.

The Coroner’s Report

The Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identification of Megan Trussell’s body following an autopsy conducted shortly after the remains were recovered. The office released a statement confirming her identity and expressing condolences to her family. While the official cause of death is still under investigation, early reports indicated that there were no signs of foul play. Investigators are continuing to review evidence, including her phone and social media accounts, to try to piece together what may have transpired in the hours leading up to her death.

As of now, the case remains open, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. Megan’s family, devastated by the loss, has requested privacy during this difficult time but has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received from the CU Boulder community and beyond. A family spokesperson stated, “We are heartbroken beyond words and ask for respect as we grieve the loss of our daughter. We have many unanswered questions and are hoping for clarity in the days ahead.”

The CU Boulder Community Responds

The news of Megan’s death has sent shockwaves through the CU Boulder community, a place where students often form close-knit bonds and rely on one another for support. In the days following the discovery of her body, the university hosted multiple vigils and gatherings where students could come together to mourn and honor Megan’s memory.

The CU Boulder Counseling Center quickly mobilized to provide grief counseling and emotional support for students affected by the tragedy. Dr. Sarah McCoy, a mental health professional from the center, explained, “When a tragedy like this occurs, it can have a profound impact on the entire community. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to lean on each other and seek support as they process this loss.”

A memorial service for Megan is planned for the coming weeks, and several of her friends have started a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral expenses. Megan’s family has requested that any donations be directed to causes close to her heart, including mental health advocacy and support for students facing personal struggles.

Reflections on Megan’s Impact

Megan Trussell’s untimely passing has prompted many in the CU Boulder community to reflect on her life and legacy. The impact she had on others, whether through her academic work, her volunteer efforts, or her simple kindness, is evident in the tributes pouring in from students and faculty alike. One of Megan’s professors, Dr. Jennifer Lin, shared her thoughts in a heartfelt message to the community: “Megan was a bright student who brought a sense of optimism and purpose to everything she did. She truly cared about others, and it was evident in her work and the relationships she built. She will be missed deeply by all who knew her.”

The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about mental health and the pressures faced by university students. Megan was studying psychology with a focus on mental health counseling, and many of her friends and peers have noted that her compassionate nature made her a go-to person for those in need of emotional support. The loss has underscored the importance of providing resources for students to cope with stress and challenges, especially in the demanding environment of higher education.

Moving Forward

As the CU Boulder community continues to process the loss of one of its own, questions surrounding the circumstances of Megan Trussell’s death remain unanswered. Authorities continue to investigate, and many in the community are hopeful that the truth will eventually come to light. In the meantime, Megan’s family, friends, and the wider Boulder community are holding on to the memories of her bright spirit, her passion for helping others, and the mark she left on the lives she touched.

In the wake of this tragedy, it is clear that Megan’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The student body, faculty, and staff at CU Boulder will continue to honor her memory and work toward ensuring that those facing similar struggles are supported and cared for. Megan Trussell may have left this world too soon, but the impact she had on those around her will not be forgotten.

The story of Megan’s life reminds us of the importance of kindness, the power of empathy, and the need for a strong, supportive community. As the investigation into her death unfolds, the CU Boulder community remains united in grief and in their commitment to honoring Megan’s memory.

Megan Trussell’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with the people around us. As her family, friends, and community come to terms with this devastating loss, they will continue to support one another and keep Megan’s spirit alive. Through their efforts, Megan’s legacy will inspire future generations of CU Boulder students to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world, just as she did during her short but impactful life.