After almost two years of being missing, the remains of Nathan Schwartz, a 22-year-old former UCCS student, were discovered in Salida, Colorado on Sept. 23.  

According to an article from Heart of the Rockies Radio, Schwartz’s remains were discovered by a hiker near CR 182 on the Ute Trail in the Cameron Mountain Pass. The scene was processed by the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office staff and an autopsy was conducted by the county coroner’s office. 

Salida’s chief of police Russell Johnson said in a press release on Sept. 28 that the results of the autopsy positively identified Schwartz by his dental records, and the case has been closed since no evidence indicates foul play was involved. 

“At this time, we have no further information regarding Nathan Schwartz,” assistant director of communications Jenna Press said. 

According to an article from the Gazette, Schwartz was reportedly seen at his parents’ home on Feb. 21, 2021 in Eaton, Colorado at 4 p.m, and he had texted his mother he had arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado later that evening. 

Schwartz was reported missing to the Salida Police Department in March 2021, and his abandoned vehicle was later uncovered in Salida on March 2, 2021. 

A search party was organized by law enforcement and his loved ones, but the search was unsuccessful in locating him or any clues regarding his whereabouts in Salida and other approximate areas. The family has been notified about his recovery. 

Missing UCCS student remains found in Salida, CO. Photo courtesy of Denver Police Department.