Authorities in Colorado have confirmed the discovery of the body of Dallas Roberts, a 19-year-old college student last seen entering Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The tragic discovery ends a days-long search effort that drew widespread attention and community concern.
Dallas Roberts Last Seen on October 28th
Dallas Roberts, originally from Montrose, Colorado, and a student at Colorado Mesa University, was last seen on October 28th. He entered Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park that day, though what happened next remains a mystery. Family, friends, and local authorities became increasingly concerned after Roberts failed to return or make contact.
On October 30th, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office made a public announcement seeking help in locating him, noting that all communication attempts had failed.
Roberts’ Car Located in Remote Area
A key development in the search came when park rangers found Roberts’ car, a detail that added urgency to the search effort. His vehicle was located approximately three miles down East Portal Road, an area known for its challenging terrain and steep grades. According to authorities, the car had entered the park at a high rate of speed and was discovered roughly 150 feet off the road in a brushy, oak-filled area.
This unusual scene led authorities to focus their efforts around the vehicle’s location, using specialized teams to navigate the rugged terrain. The area where the car was found is known for limited visibility and dense vegetation, adding complexity to the search.
Cause of Death Remains Undetermined
Despite the discovery of Roberts’ body, authorities have yet to release details regarding the cause and manner of his death. For now, law enforcement has classified these details as “under investigation,” with more information expected as they work to piece together the events leading up to his disappearance.
While no foul play has been confirmed, the case has left family and community members with many unanswered questions. Roberts’ sudden disappearance and tragic outcome have spurred an outpouring of support from those who knew him and others who empathize with the family’s loss.
Community Mourns a Life Cut Short
The discovery of Dallas Roberts’ body has shaken the Montrose community, where he was a well-known and well-liked young man. As a Colorado Mesa University student, Roberts was pursuing his studies in a field he was passionate about, hoping to make a difference in the world. Friends, family, and classmates remember him as kind-hearted, intelligent, and adventurous.
The university has offered grief counseling to students affected by the loss, while local community members have organized vigils and social media tributes to honor Roberts’ memory. For many in Montrose, the news has been both heartbreaking and unsettling, raising awareness about the dangers of remote and wild areas like Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
