On October 8, 2025, deputies assigned to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit were conducting a patrol deployment with their equine partners in the Widefield and Security area when a missing person call for service was broadcast at approximately 9:46 AM.
The missing individual, an adult male, was last reported to be in the Fountain Creek Nature Center area—a large and diverse environment featuring ponds, streams, wooded areas, and expansive fields of tall grass and brush. Mounted Unit deputies immediately responded to assist with the search, coordinating efforts with the Fountain Police Department.
Due to the dense terrain and limited vehicle or foot accessibility, the Mounted Unit deployed horses north along Fountain Creek to aid in ground search efforts. At approximately 12:03 PM, Mounted Unit deputies located the missing individual, who was confirmed to be deceased. Deputies provided precise location coordinates to Fountain Police Officers and the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
Following the initial investigation, the Coroner’s Office requested the assistance of the Mounted Unit in retrieving the individual. Given the heavily wooded terrain—nearly one mile from any road or trailhead—Mounted Unit deputies utilized their horses to safely transport the deceased to a more accessible location, where he was transferred into the custody of the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
Sheriff Joseph Roybal offered the following statement:
“On behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased individual. Our Mounted Unit plays an essential role in operations across Colorado’s Front Range, particularly in situations where traditional vehicles or equipment cannot reach. The diverse terrain and expansive geographical footprint of the Pikes Peak region make horseback operations a vital asset for search and recovery missions. This operation further demonstrates the value of our Mounted Unit team.
“I am proud of our deputies’ professionalism and the compassion they demonstrated while bringing closure to this case. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the Fountain Police Department and the El Paso County Coroner’s Office for their coordination and collaboration during this recovery operation.”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit is a specialized team trained in patrol, search and rescue, and community engagement missions across the Pikes Peak region. The unit frequently supports large-scale searches, crime prevention patrols, and public safety events in both urban and remote environments throughout the region.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased individual, as well as their cause of death, when appropriate. The Fountain Police Department was the lead agency for this incident.