Personal belongings and remains linked to a Lakewood woman missing for nearly 19 years were found on Mount of the Holy Cross, according to the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.
Michelle Vanek, 35, vanished on Sept. 24, 2005, after separating from a hiking partner near the 14er’s summit.
Hundreds of volunteer and professional searchers spread out across the mountain to look for the mother of four, but she was never found.
Vail Mountain Rescue Group members recently found “personal items” resembling things Vanek had with her, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. The agency did not provide further details about when or where the items were found or what items were found.
“This isn’t just the discovery of remains — this is a potential step toward healing and closure for a family that has waited almost 19 years,” sheriff’s officials said Saturday.
Crews and individuals have continued to search for Vanek over the years, and a search grid map still hangs in Sheriff James van Beek’s office as a reminder of the unsolved case.
“This discovery marks a milestone in the long search for Michelle,” sheriff’s officials said Saturday. “While we await forensic confirmation, we are working closely with our partners and other experts to ensure the investigation is thorough and respectful of the emotional weight carried by Michelle’s family and community.”
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