Investigation Into 18-Year-Old Megan Trussell's Passing Ends – Cause of Death Is Revealed

Months after a college student was found dead in Colorado, officials shared their findings, but the family disputes the conclusions.

Authorities have concluded their investigation into the death of Megan Trussell, an 18-year-old University of Colorado Boulder student whose disappearance and death in February 2025 drew widespread attention.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) announced that the cause of death was the "toxic effects of amphetamine," with hypothermia as a contributing factor. The manner of death was ruled a suicide.

Boulder County Coroner Jeff Martin said, "Our opinion was based on several factors including but not limited to toxicology results and the presence of undigested prescription medication found during the examination."

Meanwhile, Sheriff Curtis Johnson added, "This outcome is heartbreaking. Our hope is that the findings may bring some closure to Megan’s loved ones and to the broader community."

Megan was last seen on the night of February 9, leaving her dorm at 9:36 p.m. Security footage later captured her walking alone on campus at 9:52 p.m. Cell phone data showed she traveled west toward Boulder Canyon Drive, where her phone's final signal was recorded near the 40-mile marker. It stopped connecting to networks on February 12.

On February 14, the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department (CUPD) issued a public alert asking for help in locating Megan, describing her clothing and confirming that she was last seen in her residence hall on February 9. CUPD stated it was coordinating with local and state law enforcement agencies.

Megan's body was discovered on February 15 near the same area in Boulder Canyon. Weeks later, on March 5, a community member found her purse along a bike path near the 39.6-mile marker of Highway 36. It contained an empty prescription bottle with her name, which prompted a call to authorities.

The university student's phone was traced on March 2 to a resale kiosk at a Boulder grocery store. It had been sold by Elliot Michael Beafore, a 50-year-old unhoused man who claimed he received it from another unhoused individual.

Elliot was arrested on May 14 and charged with misdemeanor theft and providing false information to a pawnbroker. He was released on bond. Investigators determined that neither Beafore nor anyone associated with the recovered items had contact with Megan.

A coordinated investigation involving the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab, University of Colorado Boulder Police Department, and the FBI helped reconstruct Megan's final movements through digital records, surveillance footage, witness interviews, and key card logs.

The Boulder County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and, along with investigators, found no evidence that Megan was physically harmed or killed by another person.

However, Megan's family has expressed strong disagreement with the official findings. In a statement shared through People magazine on May 27, her mother, Vanessa Diaz.

Vanessa said, "This has an been incredibly difficult time and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has made it much more difficult with their callous attitude and obvious bias since the start of the investigation."

She also stated that she and her husband, Joe Trussell — Megan's father — want to highlight what they believe was a "mishandling of the investigation."

A spokesperson for the sheriff's office did not respond directly to the family's concerns but said the agency generally limits public comment in suicide cases to protect the dignity of those affected and to handle such matters with appropriate seriousness.

On May 19, Joe shared a message on Facebook reflecting on the investigation. He thanked the community for their support and explained that he had been quietly processing events in the background.

As a grieving parent, he emphasized the right to a thorough, impartial investigation when a loved one dies under unclear circumstances, and said he would accept the outcome if supported by evidence.

However, he expressed serious doubts about the sheriff's conclusions, citing numerous unresolved questions and evidence that, in his view, points to criminal activity. Trussell stated that everyone who has reviewed the case alongside the family believes the official narrative does not make sense.

He urged the BCSO to take meaningful action to resolve what he called a deeply troubling mystery, and said that despite the challenges, he still holds hope that the agency will ultimately do the right thing.

In response to the investigation’s conclusion, a GoFundMe campaign titled "Seeking Truth and Transparency" has been launched to support an independent inquiry.

Organizer Rebecca Perez, on behalf of Vanessa, wrote, "The findings feel premature and do not align with crucial details uncovered by friends, family, and community members who have been closely involved in the search for answers."

The fundraiser outlines expenses for a private autopsy review, legal support, private investigators, expert services, and lab testing. As of this writing, the campaign has raised $70,695 toward its $80,000 goal, with 968 donations.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.