A 22-year-old man from Carbondale, Colorado died at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park after illegally entering the park during after-hours when there were no employees or visitors present. The man was dressed in black tactical clothing with patches that resembled law enforcement emblems. He was heavily armed with a semi-automatic rifle and handgun, as well as multiple loaded magazines. Additionally, multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found with the suspect and a vehicle associated with him. The Grand Junction Bomb Squad rendered the devices safe, and the park was thoroughly searched to ensure no other IEDs were present. The man’s actions were limited to the park’s property, and no members of the public were at risk.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Walt Stowe, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that given the weaponry, ammunition, and explosive devices found, the suspect had the potential to carry out a devastating attack on the community and first responders. The man trespassed onto the park’s property overnight and was discovered during pre-opening maintenance and security inspections. The park clarified that the death did not occur near any secure areas or rides and was unrelated to any attractions. Authorities also searched the man’s residence to uncover the extent of his criminal activities.
This incident follows a previous tragedy at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in 2021, where a 6-year-old girl died on one of the park’s attractions. Although park workers were not charged criminally, a civil lawsuit was filed by the girl’s family, while the state of Colorado fined the park $68,000 for inadequate safety measures. The park is currently closed and is set to reopen on November 10 for the winter season. The authorities involved in the investigation expressed gratitude for the swift response and collaboration between the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department, Coroner’s Office, All Hazard Response Team, and other assisting authorities to ensure the safety of the park and its reopening.