CONEJOS COUNTY — On June 17, a body was discovered near the summit of Elwood Pass. The Conejos County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Conejos County Coroner's Office, launched an investigation which led to the deceased being positively identified as Rodney Guilinger, 64, of Pueblo.  His next of kin have been notified. 

Guilinger was reported missing on April 16. The following day, search and rescue personnel located his pickup truck, which was stuck in deep snow on Forest Road 380 near Stunner Campground.

As was reported by Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther in the April 25 edition of the Valley Courier, search and rescue operations were active in the area for days on end. Ground teams were deployed, working tirelessly through challenging terrain and adverse conditions. Due to inclement weather, aerial support was not possible during the initial two days of the search. However, once conditions improved, two helicopter teams were able to assist in aerial reconnaissance, along with drone teams.

The sheriff’s office utilized two different canine search teams and arranged for the deployment of a specialized K-9 unit from New Mexico. In addition, specialized equipment from the Colorado Division of Wildlife was brought in from Denver to aid in the ongoing efforts.

Even as days soon became weeks, the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office remained committed to continuing the search with all available resources and personnel and, along with multiple partner agencies, worked diligently in an effort to locate him.

The body was found approximately seven miles from the location where the vehicle had become stuck. Following a positive identification, Guilinger’s family was promptly notified.

“We wish the outcome had been different,” said Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther. “While this is not the result we had hoped for, we are grateful to be able to bring closure to Mr. Guilinger’s loved ones.”

The Conejos County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the Guilinger family during this difficult time.