On June 18, human remains were found near Rocky Mountain National Park’s Alpine Ridge Trail in the area of the park’s high-elevation Alpine Visitor Center. This prompted an investigation into the situation, with additional details being released in the case about a month later.

On July 28, The Larimer County Coroner’s Office reported that the remains were identified via dental records to be those of 40-year-old Steven Noto of western New York.

Noto’s death is believed to have occurred in late November of 2024, though due to the skeletonized nature of his remains, the coroner’s office was unable to determine his cause of death. Foul play, however, was ruled out.

Generally, Alpine Ridge Trail is closed by November due to seasonal hazards, with Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Visitor Center closed, as well. The trail is typically open from late-May/early-June to early October.