66 Years Later: The Kidnapping and Murder of Adolph Coors III Still Resonates in Colorado

The 1960 disappearance of the brewery executive stunned the Front Range and made national headlines.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

66 years ago this week, the disappearance of brewery executive Adolph Coors III stunned the Front Range and made national headlines. Coors, the 44-year-old heir to the Coors fortune, left his foothills home on February 9, 1960 and never arrived at work. His carryall truck was later found on a bridge, with blood on the front seat and his cap and eyeglasses recovered below. Authorities quickly believed it was a kidnapping, and a ransom note demanding $500,000 was soon delivered. Months later, Coors' remains were found, and Joseph Corbett Jr. was later convicted in connection with the crime.

Why it matters

The killing of Adolph Coors III marked one of the most infamous criminal cases in Colorado history. While the crime shocked the state, historians say the story is also one of resilience, as the Coors family continued to grow the business after his death. The case remains part of Colorado's historical memory, a reminder that high-profile kidnappings continue to captivate public attention.

The details

On February 9, 1960, Adolph Coors III, the 44-year-old heir to the Coors fortune, left his foothills home headed to work. His carryall truck was later found on a bridge over Turkey Creek, with the engine still running and blood on the front seat. Coors' cap and eyeglasses were recovered below the bridge. Authorities quickly believed it was a kidnapping, and a typewritten ransom note demanding $500,000 was soon delivered. Months later, remains were found in a wooded area near Sedalia, and the case shifted from kidnapping to murder. Joseph Corbett Jr. was later convicted in connection with the crime.

  • On February 9, 1960, Adolph Coors III disappeared from his foothills home.
  • In September 1960, remains were found in a wooded area near Sedalia.

The players

Adolph Coors III

The 44-year-old heir to the Coors fortune who was kidnapped and murdered in 1960.

Joseph Corbett Jr.

The individual convicted in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Adolph Coors III.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This generated headlines all across the country, because Coors wasn't just famous here in Colorado — the family, the company, the beer, was famous all across the country.”

— Sam Bock, Director of interpretation and publications at History Colorado (westernslopenow.com)

“These splashy abductions, especially because of the time pressure and the big names that are almost always involved, generate a ton of public attention.”

— Sam Bock, Director of interpretation and publications at History Colorado (westernslopenow.com)

The takeaway

The kidnapping and murder of Adolph Coors III remains one of the most infamous criminal cases in Colorado history, a tragic event that captivated national attention and continues to resonate in the state's historical memory. Despite the tragedy, the Coors family's resilience and the company's continued growth demonstrate the enduring impact of this high-profile crime.