Bodies Found at Campground Identified as Family Living Off Grid
Two weeks ago, the police made a puzzling discovery in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. They stumbled upon a remote campsite where they found three bodies in a state of partial mummification. Two of the bodies were inside a tent that was still sealed, while the third body was found nearby in the woods.
The identities of the deceased have now been revealed by Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes. The bodies belong to two adult sisters and a 14-year-old boy, the son of one of the sisters. The sisters were named Christine Vance (41) and Rebecca Vance (42), while the boy’s name was not disclosed due to his status as a minor. They were known to have lived in Colorado Springs before deciding to leave civilization behind and live “off the grid,” according to information provided by their family members to the coroner.
Although the exact cause of their deaths remains undetermined, all three appeared to be severely malnourished. The coroner speculated that the group might have succumbed to starvation, freezing temperatures, or carbon monoxide poisoning while attempting to create a fire for warmth. Further insight will be gained once toxicology reports are available.
The state of decomposition of the bodies suggests that the two sisters and the teenager likely died during the winter.
Their stepsister, Trevala Jara, revealed that it was Rebecca who had the idea of living off the grid, away from what she perceived as a chaotic and dangerous world. The sisters set off in July 2022 to make their permanent residence in Gunnison National Forest. Rebecca’s increasing paranoia during the pandemic further fueled her desire to retreat into nature, though she was not a believer in conspiracy theories. She believed that a better life awaited them away from society’s influences.
Christine initially had no plans to join her sister and nephew in their off-the-grid lifestyle. However, out of concern for their safety, she ultimately decided to accompany them—a decision that tragically sealed her fate.
Rebecca’s 14-year-old son was described as intelligent, caring, and close to his mother. He was eager to embrace the off-the-grid lifestyle, but he also felt sad about leaving behind his friends and extended family.
According to Jara, Rebecca was a protective sister who preferred solitude during her upbringing. Both sisters were remembered as kind-hearted individuals with good intentions.
Jara and her husband attempted to dissuade the trio from pursuing their off-the-grid plans but were unsuccessful. The family never disclosed the specific location they had chosen as their base.
The campsite where the bodies were found was discovered by the police after a hiker reported it on July 10. At the site, they found empty food cans, books, a makeshift restroom, and an unfinished lean-to shelter, suggesting that the harsh winter weather caught them off guard.
Coroner Barnes noted that they had literature on outdoor survival and foraging, but it seemed they had also brought supplies from a grocery store. The only remaining food at the site was a single package of ramen noodles.
The tragic incident occurred near the Gold Creek Campsite, approximately an hour’s drive from Gunnison, a small rural community.
Jara hopes that the heartbreaking tale of her family will serve as a cautionary story for others, discouraging them from attempting off-the-grid living.