Michael Kroll’s skeletal skeletal discovered in La Plata County in September 2022 have been positively identified. The 41-year-old was last seen leaving work in Pagosa Springs, Colorado on October 16, 2021.

On September 25, 2022, hikers discovered human remains in the region of Middle Mountain Road, northeast of Vallecito Reservoir.

The remains were sent for analysis, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Laboratory positively identified them in January 2023.

According to a press release from the Pagosa Springs Police Department, “there are no other facts available as this is an active and ongoing investigation.”

If you have any information about Michael Kroll’s disappearance, please call the Pagosa Springs Police Department at (970) 264-4151 ext. 241 or the We Help The Missing Tip Line at (866) 660-4001.

The Disappearance of Michael Kroll

On October 16, 2021, 41-year-old Micheal Kroll was last seen in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He was last observed leaving the Humane Society Thrift Store at 5:15 p.m. following the conclusion of his shift, and his last known communication was through text message later that evening.

On October 19, 2021, Michael failed to report for his scheduled shift and was reported missing that evening. On October 21, 2021, he was formally identified as a missing person by the Pagosa Police Department.

Michael may require medical assistance.

Investigation of Case

Bernie, Michael’s 7-year-old service dog, was discovered walking around a gas station in Bayfield, Colorado on October 17, 2021, without its service vest or halter.

Michael brought his service dog everywhere he went and refused to be separated from him.

Michael’s cell phone was discovered by construction workers on the side of Highway 160 near Chimney Rock on October 18, 2021, approximately 40 miles from where his dog was found.

When he failed to report for work on the 19th of October, his residence was searched, but Micheal was nowhere to be found. Inside were his personal possessions, including his hiking equipment. It is unknown if his bicycle has been located.

Pagosa Springs Police Department searches, aided by the Upper San Juan Search and Rescue, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southern Ute Ranger Division, have yielded no fresh information about Michael’s location.

On October 24, 2021, a thorough search of Highway 160, CO 151, and the Capote Lake region yielded no fresh information.