Hiker’s belongings found on mountain 19 years after she vanished, Colorado cops say

Personal belongings of a woman missing 19 years found on a Colorado mountain have brought a “glimmer of closure” to her family and friends, sheriff’s officials said.

Michelle Vanek, 35, disappeared on a hike up Mount of the Holy Cross on Sept. 24, 2005, KDVR reported. She told a friend she was tired near the summit and headed back on the trail down by herself.

She was not seen again and her body has never been found despite extensive searches, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office said in a Saturday, Sept. 14, news release.

Vail Mountain Rescue Group, which has continued to search for Vanek over the years, discovered personal items believed to belong to her on the mountain, officials said.

“These items closely resemble those last known to have been with Michelle,” deputies said. Authorities did not describe the items.

A boot forensically proven to be Vanek’s was found earlier on the mountain, deputies said.

Authorities called the latest discovery a “milestone” in the search for Vanek.

“Her memory has been a beacon of hope and determination, inspiring every person involved in the effort to bring her home,” deputies said in the release.

Officials said they would not disclose where the items were found so that further searches can be conducted.

Mount of the Holy Cross is about 80 miles southwest of Denver.

This story was originally published September 16, 2024 at 10:20 AM with the headline "Hiker’s belongings found on mountain 19 years after she vanished, Colorado cops say."