Colorado: 3 Decomposed Human Remains Found at Remote Campsite Identified

The decomposed human remains found at a remote campsite in Gunnison County, Colorado, earlier this month have been identified as two adult sisters and a teenage boy, per CBS News.

The initial discovery was made by a hiker near the Gold Creek Campground in an eastern section of the county.

The hiker found one of the bodies and promptly reported it to the authorities on July 9. Deputies responding to the report found two more bodies early the following morning.

The deceased have been identified as sisters Rebecca Vance, aged 42 at the time of her death, and Christine Vance, 41. The third victim was Rebecca's 14-year-old son. All three lived in Colorado Springs.

The exact cause of death has not been determined yet. However, Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes has indicated that an extended period of living in the outdoor winter elements, coupled with malnutrition, is likely to significantly contribute to their deaths.

Toxicology reports for the two adult sisters are still pending and may provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding their passing.

Trio Wants to Live Off the Grid

The human remains of the two adult sisters and the teenage boy were found in different locations within the remote wooded campsite.

Two of the bodies were discovered inside a small, zipped-up tent, while the third body was found outside the camp, according to Fox News.

Personal belongings, tarps, and a lean-to made from local logs over a firepit were found at the scene, indicating that the group had been camping and trying to create shelter and warmth.

According to information from family members, the trio had embarked on the camping trip in July 2022 with plans to live off the grid.

The campsite contained empty food cans, books, and a restroom area, suggesting they had prepared for outdoor survival and foraging.

It is surmised that the group may have encountered unexpected challenges, such as rapidly changing weather conditions, leading them to enter survival mode within the tent.

Colorado Sisters Have No Outdoor Survival Experience, Says Stepsister

Trevala Jara, the stepsister of Rebecca and Christine Vance, revealed that the two women had informed her of their plans last year, The Gazette noted.

Rebecca expressed fear about the state of the world and was determined to protect her son and their sister.

In early August, shortly before departing for Gunnison County, Colorado, the Vance sisters visited Jara's home in Security to say goodbye and left some family possessions there.

Jara and her husband, Tommy, attempted to persuade them not to embark on their journey, fearing for their safety due to their lack of outdoor survival experience.

They were concerned that watching internet videos on living off the grid would not adequately prepare them for the challenges they might face.

However, the Vance sisters were determined to carry out their plans and did not disclose their destination to anyone except Jara and her husband.

To increase their chances of survival, the Jaras offered the use of their remote property in Hartsel, but Rebecca declined the offer.

Jara received the devastating news of her sisters' deaths on July 11, just two days after their bodies were discovered in a remote campsite in Colorado.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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