2025 Media Releases

University statement on classroom disruption

Christine Mahoney — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:09:33 +0000

University statement on classroom disruption Christine Mahoney Thu, 04/03/2025 - 16:09

The CU �鶹ӰԺ Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred Wednesday, April 2 where a classroom was disrupted by unidentified individuals, one or more of whom were removed from the classroom after being told to leave repeatedly by the instructor.

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Coroner Identifies Body of CU Student Megan Trussell

Christine Mahoney — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:40:54 +0000

Coroner Identifies Body of CU Student Megan Trussell Christine Mahoney Tue, 02/18/2025 - 15:40

[Tues. Feb. 18, 2025 | 5:33 p.m.]

The �鶹ӰԺ is saddened to learn that the �鶹ӰԺ County Coroner has identified the individual who was recovered in �鶹ӰԺ Canyon on Saturday, Feb. 15, as CU �鶹ӰԺ student Megan Trussell. The �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ Interim Chief of Police John Monahan. "Our thoughts are with Megan's family and friends."

Megan was first reported missing to the CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ County Sheriff’s Office, and appreciates the public’s engagement in providing tips and leads.

The �鶹ӰԺ County Coroner's Office is responsible for determining the final cause and manner of death.

CUPD previously provided updates about this case on its media release webpage.

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Update on Death Investigation

Christine Mahoney — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 23:37:56 +0000

Update on Death Investigation Christine Mahoney Mon, 02/17/2025 - 16:37

[Mon. Feb. 17, 2025 | 3:50 p.m.]

We understand there are many questions about the �鶹ӰԺ County Sheriff's Office death investigation over the weekend. CUPD is supporting the �鶹ӰԺ County Sheriff's Office and will share updates when new information becomes available.

The latest update provided to the community by BCSO can be found on their website.

Please continue to refer tips to CUPD at 303-492-6666.

CU �鶹ӰԺ sent a campuswide message with support resources on Saturday.

Find it here. /chancellor/newsletter/newsletter/campus-support-and-resources-regarding-missing-student-case

[Sat. Feb. 15, 2025 | 5:37 p.m.]

The �鶹ӰԺ County Sheriff’s Office has notified CUPD that a deceased person matching the description of a missing CU �鶹ӰԺ student was discovered this morning near mile marker 40 in �鶹ӰԺ Canyon. CUPD is working to confirm additional details and will communicate those as soon as we are able. The �鶹ӰԺ County Coroner is responsible for identification and cause of death.

�鶹ӰԺ County Sheriff's Office Media Release

[Fri. Feb. 14, 2025 | 8:20 p.m.]

Throughout the weekend, CUPD will continue to follow up on all leads and any information that will aid in our efforts to locate missing student Megan Trussell. We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners during this time, as well as the support provided by students, faculty and staff who continue to share information from CUPD social media accounts and our website.

If you have any information that could lead to the whereabouts of Megan, please contact CUPD at 303-492-6666 and reference CUPD case #2025-0291.

Please follow @cuboulderpolice on social media and refer to CUPD’s website for further updates.

[Fri. Feb. 14, 2025 | 12:00 p.m.]

The CU �鶹ӰԺ Police Department is leveraging every available resource in its attempt to locate missing student Megan Trussell. CUPD is working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and first responders on campus, on the ground and in the air.

The CUPD embedded victim advocate and Student Affairs staff have been providing support to Megan’s family during this difficult time.

We understand that there have been questions about when the university publicly released information about Megan’s disappearance. CUPD released information as soon as Megan’s missing status was confirmed and it was determined releasing such information would be helpful in the search. CUPD received a missing persons report on Wed. Feb. 12.

If you have any information that could lead to the whereabouts of Megan, please contact CUPD at 303-492-6666 and reference CUPD case #2025-0291.

Please follow @cuboulderpolice on social media and refer to CUPD’s website for further updates.

[Thurs. Feb. 13, 2025 | 12:15 p.m.]

The CU �鶹ӰԺ Police Department is attempting to locate a missing student, Megan Trussell. CUPD has notified and is working with local and statewide law enforcement agencies to locate Megan.

She was last seen wearing a blue/gray jacket, dark colored yoga-style pants and white platform sneakers. Based on information shared with CUPD, the last reported sighting of the student was Sunday, Feb. 9 in her residence hall.

If you have seen Megan or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact CUPD at 303-492-6666 and reference CUPD case #2025-0291.

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CUPD proactively requests assistance from �鶹ӰԺ County Investigation Team

Christine Mahoney — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:45:40 +0000

CUPD proactively requests assistance from �鶹ӰԺ County Investigation Team Christine Mahoney Thu, 01/09/2025 - 11:45

On Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 at approximately 8:15 a.m., CU �鶹ӰԺ Police (CUPD) officers responded to a call of suspicious activity at the Center for Innovation and Creativity (CINC), 1777 Exposition Drive. It was reported a male suspect tampered with an external electrical box outside the building and attempted to break into a vehicle in the area.

Upon arrival, CUPD officers located the suspect and made contact with him. The suspect was acting erratically when officers arrived, refused to follow officer commands and fought with officers. CUPD officers were able to take the uncooperative suspect into custody. The suspect continued to resist officers and additional assistance was requested from the �鶹ӰԺ Police Department. American Medical Response (AMR) was also called to assist with the incident due to an injury to a CUPD officer and continued erratic behavior of the suspect.

AMR paramedics treated the suspect on scene and transported him to �鶹ӰԺ Community Hospital. During the transport, the suspect experienced a medical emergency and was admitted to the hospital, where he passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29. Methamphetamine was found in the suspect’s possession. The �鶹ӰԺ County Coroner will determine the cause of death.

Out of an abundance of caution, CUPD proactively requested a review of the incident by the �鶹ӰԺ County Investigation Team (BCIT) on December 27. This multi-agency team is designated to investigate use-of-force incidents in which any law enforcement officer used deadly, or potentially deadly, physical force against a person while acting under the color of official law enforcement duties. Although this tragic incident does not meet the criteria for a mandatory review, CUPD requested the BCIT conduct the investigation.

�鶹ӰԺ County District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “I appreciate the CU Police Department alerting the �鶹ӰԺ County Investigation Team and the District Attorney’s Office to this tragic death. Although it is not required by law or policy, I fully support CU’s request for the BCIT to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, treatment, and eventual death of this person. The BCIT will conduct an objective, independent, and thorough investigation. After the District Attorney’s Office reviews the investigation, the findings will be shared with the community.”

Contact:

Christine Mahoney, CUPD PIO

christine.mahoney@colorado.edu

720-237-7321

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