Megan Trussell, 18, Missing CU Student, Found Dead, Leaving Parents Vanessa Diaz and Joe Trussell Devastated

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has reported the discovery of a body matching the description of the missing person.
The missing person was none other than the University of Colorado Boulder student, 18-year-old Megan Trussell.
Highlights
- Megan Trussell went missing on February 12, and despite intensive search efforts, her body was discovered in Boulder Canyon on February 15.
- Her parents, Vanessa Diaz and Joe Trussell worked tirelessly with law enforcement, distributing flyers and coordinating search efforts to find Megan.
- The tragedy has sparked discussions about campus safety and mental health resources, with CU Boulder offering counseling services to grieving students.
Moreover, the body was found in a hard-to-reach area above Boulder Canyon Drive on Saturday morning.
The Boulder County Coroner’s Office is responsible for confirming the identity and determining the cause and manner of death.
So follow along and read more to find out more about this disheartening incident.
Megan went missing on the 12th of February, But her body was found on the 15th of February.
The CU Boulder Police Department initiated a search for Megan on February 12, collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI.
Efforts included ground and aerial searches, with authorities focusing on areas where Megan’s phone last pinged in Boulder Canyon.
MISSING INDIGENOUS PERSON ACTIVATION:
Megan Trussell was last seen on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at approximately 10:00 PM on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
If seen, please call the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department at 303-492-6666. pic.twitter.com/zJ4wU6aii8
— CBI (@CBI_Colorado) February 15, 2025
Family friend Judy Brocato, who assisted in the search, noted that Megan’s phone pinged in the canyon late Sunday night.
She expressed confusion over Megan’s disappearance, stating how she seemed to have vanished without a trace, which was perplexing.
The discovery of the body has left Megan’s parents, Vanessa and Joe, devastated.
The university community and residents are mourning the loss, and many have expressed condolences and support for the family during this difficult time.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Megan’s death.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials urge anyone with information to contact the CU Boulder Police Department at 303-492-6666, referencing case #2025-0291.
Furthermore, This tragic incident has prompted discussions about campus student safety and mental health resources.
The university has encouraged students to seek support and has provided counseling services to those affected by Megan’s passing.
As the community grieves, plans for a memorial service are underway to honor Megan’s life and legacy.
Friends, family, and classmates remember her as a bright, compassionate individual who will be deeply missed.
Megan Trussell’s Parents tried their best to find their baby girl safe and sound.
In the harrowing days following their daughter Megan’s disappearance, Vanessa Diaz and Joe Trussell demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience.
They established a base of operations in a University of Colorado Boulder Police conference room, tirelessly coordinating search efforts and collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies.
‼️ MISSING COLLEGE STUDENT FROM CU BOULDER ‼️- PLEASE SHARE!
18 year old Megan Trussell was last seen on Sunday evening on surveillance video close to the University of Colorado Boulder dorms where she lived. She was heading towards her sister’s apartment when she disappeared.… pic.twitter.com/Zadkl0iuIo
— Unmasked True Crime (@crimeunmasked) February 14, 2025
After reflecting on their last interactions, Vanessa recounted how she and Megan exchanged numerous text messages on Saturday evening, enthusiastically planning an upcoming family birthday celebration.
The sudden cessation of communication after 8:45 p.m. on Sunday was profoundly out of character for Megan, intensifying her parents’ concern.
In their relentless pursuit of locating her, Vanessa and Joe canvassed the campus, distributing flyers and engaging with the community to gather any leads.
Their proactive approach and steadfast commitment underscored the depth of their love and the lengths they were willing to go to ensure their daughter’s safe return.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Megan’s death, the community mourns the loss of a young girl whose life was cut short.
Additional Infomation
- According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons (NamUS) database, over 600,000 people go missing every year in the US.
- Megan Trussell was a CU Boulder freshman who was majoring in film studies.