Items Found on Colorado 14er May Be Linked to 2005 Disappearance

VAIL, Colo. (KKTV) – “A glimmer of closure,” the Eagle County Sheriff's Office said after what could end up being a remarkable discovery related to a nearly 20-year-old cold case.

In late September 2005, Michelle Vanek, 35, hiked Mount Holy Cross near Vail with her friend Eric Sawyer. They split up after Sawyer decided to hike to the summit and Vanek wanted to come back down. Sawyer later told authorities that he gave Vanek directions on how to get her down the mountain, and then they split up. That was the last time anyone saw Vanek.

“The disappearance of Michelle Vanek on September 24, 2005, triggered a large-scale search operation. The initial search lasted eight days, involving an extraordinary team of volunteers from the Vail Mountain Rescue Group and other agencies. These highly trained and dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly, driven by their unwavering commitment to finding Michelle. Despite the exhaustive initial efforts, Michelle was not located,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Vanished without a trace” is how her disappearance was described all these years. In 2022, a trace was finally discovered, in the form of a boot matching the one Vanek wore on that fateful hike.

On Saturday, the Eagle County Sheriff's Office said additional items potentially belonging to Vanek were discovered.

“Today, we are filled with hope as a recent discovery in the area may finally bring her family, friends and the entire community the closure they have been seeking. Personal items were recovered by the Vail Mountain Rescue Group on St. Croix Mountain that closely resemble those last found in Michelle’s home.”

Family, friends and county officials never gave up on Vanek, even as the years passed.

“Over the past 19 years, there have been numerous formal and informal searches. In the past two years alone, there have been seven separate search operations, including the discovery of a boot that was confirmed by medical examiners to be hers. These volunteers have demonstrated unwavering determination, pouring their hearts into each mission. Through it all, we have never stopped searching for Michelle. Her memory has been a beacon of hope and determination, inspiring everyone involved in the effort to bring her home,” the sheriff’s office said.

And Saturday's discovery renewed that hope.

“The discovery of these personal items is an emotional moment for all of us. For 19 years, Michelle’s family, friends and this community have remained hopeful. Sheriff James Van Beek has a search card from that same search hanging on his office wall, placed there by his predecessor as a constant reminder of an unsolved case and an incomplete family. It has remained there as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to never stop searching for Michelle.

“This discovery marks an important milestone in Michelle’s long search for her. While we await forensic confirmation, we are working closely with our partners and other experts to ensure that the investigation is thorough and respectful of the emotional burden borne by Michelle’s family and community.”

The sheriff's office said it would not release the exact location where the remains were found, due to the “sensitive nature of the discovery and out of respect for the ongoing search efforts,” and it did not provide exact details about what was found.

“Preserving the area for future research and respecting Michelle’s memory is our top priority,” ECSO said.

“As the investigation continues, we ask for the family’s compassion, patience and privacy as they navigate this new chapter. Our thoughts are with Michelle’s loved ones and we hope this moment brings them some light. This is not just the discovery of human remains, but a potential step toward healing and closure for a family that has waited nearly 19 years.”

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