3 'heavily decomposed' and 'mummified' bodies found at Colorado campsite

GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. (TCD) -- Investigators discovered three "heavily decomposed" bodies this week at a remote campsite in the Rocky Mountains and said the bodies had been there for a lengthy amount of time.

According to KKTV-TV, on Sunday, July 9, at approximately 5 p.m., a hiker contacted the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office after discovering human remains near the Gold Creek Campground. The next morning, investigators went to the campsite and located two additional sets of decomposed remains.

The Sheriff's Office wrote in a news release, "It appeared the individuals have been deceased for a substantial period of time."

They did not identify the victims because autopsy results are still pending. The Sheriff's Office said there was no risk to other hikers or "outdoor enthusiasts" in the area.

Sheriff Adam Murdie told The Associated Press one body was found in a remote wooded area outside the campsite while the other two were zipped up in a tent. Investigators reportedly discovered personal belongings and tarps at the scene, which was in an area hikers typically don't pass through very often.

Murdie said the three bodies were "fairly mummified" and predicted the victims had been in the wilderness most likely since winter.

He said, "Whether they froze to death in the winter or the combination of starved or froze, that’s what it sure seems like."

Murdie told The Associated Press his investigators are working on finding out "what they were actually doing there and why."

MORE:

• 3 'Heavily decomposed bodies' found near a campground in Colorado - KKTV
• Three badly decomposing bodies found in remote Colorado campsite - The Associated Press