Remains identified in Wolf Creek Pass crash 

MINERAL COUNTYThe body of a female found Feb. 23 about 150 feet from a vehicle found hundreds of feet from the roadway off Highway 160 on Wolf Creek Pass has been identified. 

Marlena Rena Mizell, 49, was identified during an autopsy performed on March 1. According to the Mineral County Coroner’s Office, the preliminary findings show Mizell died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology results are pending. 

A team of local and state law enforcement, search and rescue officials and others worked to reach the Ford Focus hatchback. Members of the Mineral and Archuleta counties Search and Rescue teams, Colorado State Patrol, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Department of Transportation traveled to an area off Colorado State Highway 160 at MM 162 on the pass to reach the vehicle. 

The South Fork Police Department announced Feb. 23 that the blue 2012 Ford Focus believed to be owned by Mizell had been found in the South Fork vicinity. 

According to reports from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Mizell was reported missing by family on Jan. 2. Reports indicated that Mizell was last seen leaving the Rainbow Grocery store at around noon that day. 

Investigators with the Colorado State Patrol are working to determine the cause of the crash. The crash investigation is still considered open and active. Findings will be available at the conclusion of the investigation.  

Investigators do not believe foul play was involved. 


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