On Feb. 25, 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m. Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received an inReach SOS activation from a Garmin GPS. The activation was near the Sand Peak area approximately 45 miles northeast of Meeker and accessible by snowmobile only.
Garmin GPS received a message that a 38-year-old male on a snowmobile was hurt and not
responding. Meeker fire/rescue, Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue, Classic Air Medical and Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area. Despite life-saving measures from parties on scene, the male party was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Rio Blanco County Coroner’s office identified the party Monday as Gregory Thompson, a resident of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
According to RBC Sheriff Anthony Mazzola, Thompson was part of a group of eight snowmobilers out in front of the rest of the group. He was found under the overturned snowmobile by his companions.
The investigation is considered ongoing until autopsy results are complete.