Colorado Teen's Mysterious Death Spurs State Review

Megan Trussell's family believes her suicide ruling was mishandled, prompting a new investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nearly a year after 18-year-old Megan Trussell was found dead in Boulder, Colorado, the case has taken a new turn. Investigators initially ruled her death a suicide due to a toxic level of amphetamines in her system, but her family believes foul play was involved. After a year of pushing for a closer look, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation has agreed to conduct an independent review of the case.

Why it matters

Trussell's death has raised serious questions about the handling of the initial investigation and the conclusions reached by authorities. Her family believes critical evidence was overlooked or misinterpreted, and they hope the state review will uncover the truth about what happened to their daughter. The case has also sparked a broader discussion about the challenges of investigating student deaths and the need for more transparent and thorough investigations, especially when families dispute the official findings.

The details

Trussell's body was found on a rocky slope above Boulder Canyon Drive on February 15, 2025, six days after she was last seen. The coroner's office ruled her death a suicide due to a toxic level of amphetamines, likely from her prescription Adderall medication. However, Trussell's family believes she may have been the victim of foul play, citing missing items, unexplained injuries, and inconsistencies in the timeline. They have pushed for a new investigation, which has now been taken up by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

  • Trussell was last seen alive on February 9, 2025.
  • Her body was discovered on February 15, 2025.
  • The Colorado Bureau of Investigation accepted the family's request for a review on January 9, 2026.
  • The one-year anniversary of Trussell's death is on February 15, 2026.

The players

Megan Trussell

An 18-year-old University of Colorado freshman whose death was initially ruled a suicide.

Vanessa Diaz

Megan Trussell's mother, who has been pushing for a closer look at the investigation into her daughter's death.

Joe Trussell

Megan Trussell's father, who has also been advocating for a new investigation into his daughter's death.

Janice Marchman

A state senator who has been working with the Trussell family to advocate for a review of the case.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation

The state agency that has agreed to conduct an independent review of Megan Trussell's death.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The original investigation left critical questions unanswered. The timeline doesn't hold, records are missing or inconsistent and the conclusions reached early on were not supported by the full evidence. Megan's death deserves an independent examination.”

— Vanessa Diaz, Megan Trussell's mother

“We recognize the concerns this case has raised in our community and believe transparency is essential to public trust. We welcome this independent review and stand by the thoroughness and outcome of our investigation.”

— Curtis Johnson, Boulder County Sheriff

What’s next

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is currently reviewing Megan Trussell's case, and the results of their independent investigation are expected to be released in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough and transparent investigations, especially when families dispute the official findings. The Trussell family's persistence in pushing for a new look at the evidence has led to an independent review, which could uncover new information and provide closure for the community.