A man died at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park over the weekend after illegally entering the park in the Colorado high country after hours. According to law enforcement officials, no employees or people were present at the time of the incident. The man, a 20-year-old from Carbondale, was found deceased in a women’s restroom with a message on the wall stating, “I am not a killer, I just wanted to get into the caves.” The death is being investigated as a suicide by the Garfield County Coroner.
The man was found wearing black tactical clothing with law enforcement patches and emblems. He was heavily armed with a semi-automatic rifle and semi-automatic handgun, along with multiple loaded magazines for both weapons. The guns were ghost guns or self-made weapons. Additionally, he was wearing body armor, a ballistic helmet, and had multiple explosive devices, including fake hand grenades and pipe bombs. The Grand Junction Bomb Squad safely disposed of the devices. A thorough sweep of the park was conducted to ensure no other explosives were present.
Authorities have stated that the man’s actions were limited to the property of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and that there was no risk to the public. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Walt Stowe emphasized the potential danger the suspect posed, given the amount of weaponry and explosive devices found, stating that he had the capability to carry out a devastating attack.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park confirmed that the man trespassed onto the property overnight and was discovered during routine pre-opening maintenance. They emphasized that the death did not occur near any secure areas or attractions within the park.
General Manager Nancy Heard expressed sadness over the incident and extended gratitude to law enforcement and other authorities involved in the investigation. The man’s residence was also searched to determine the extent of his criminal activity.
In 2021, a 6-year-old girl died at the park’s Haunted Mine Drop attraction. While no criminal charges were filed against park workers, a civil lawsuit from the girl’s family is ongoing. The state of Colorado fined the park $68,000 for failing to ensure the girl was properly secured on the ride.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is currently closed and will reopen on November 10 for the winter season.
