Autopsy reveals family who disconnected from society in Colorado wilderness died from malnutrition

Tragic Deaths of Family Living “Off the Grid” in Colorado Wilderness

Autopsy reports have revealed that two sisters and their teenage son, who had chosen to live “off the grid” in the Colorado wilderness, died from hypothermia and malnutrition. The bodies of Christine Vance, 41, Rebecca Vance, 42, and Rebecca’s 14-year-old son were discovered in a remote campsite in the Gunnison National Forest last July. The autopsy conducted by the Gunnison County Coroner’s office revealed shocking details about their condition.

According to the autopsy report, the 14-year-old boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, weighed a mere 40 pounds at the time of his death. This is significantly below the average weight for a boy his age, which is 112 pounds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The autopsy findings shed light on the severe malnutrition the family had been enduring while living in the wilderness.

Loved ones of the family expressed surprise at their decision to forego modern conveniences and live in such extreme conditions. However, they revealed that Rebecca Vance had become increasingly fearful of society following the Covid-19 pandemic. Trevala Jara, the stepsister of the sisters, spoke about their choice, saying, “It’s hard to wrap your head around why they chose to go. It’s hard for me.”

It is worth noting that none of the family members were known to possess any outdoor survival skills, making their decision to live off the grid even more perplexing. Gunnison County coroner Michael Barnes had previously speculated that their deaths may have been a result of exposure to cold weather and malnutrition.

The identification of the bodies was made possible through the use of dental records and fingerprints. The bodies were discovered in a partially mummified state, highlighting the harsh conditions the family had endured in the wilderness.

The deaths of Christine Vance, Rebecca Vance, and their 14-year-old son serve as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with living in extreme isolation without proper resources and preparation. As the autopsy reports bring clarity to this heartbreaking case, questions still linger about why the family made the decision to live off the grid and the factors that led to their untimely demise.

The investigation into their deaths will hopefully provide further insights into their motives and shed light on the challenges and risks of living in such remote and harsh environments.

Original Story at www.nbcnews.com – 2023-09-01 17:12:34