Park Rangers Find Mother and Son Shot Dead in Rocky Mountain National Park

Park rangers in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park found a mother and son dead while searching for a reportedly suicidal person.

Tristen Watson, 24, and her 17-month-old son, Christopher Watson, both died from gunshot wounds, according to a Monday press release from Rocky Mountain National Park.

On Friday afternoon, park rangers were notified about a suicidal person who was “likely” in the park, according to an earlier press release from the park. Authorities located the person’s vehicle and, while searching for its occupants, they temporarily stopped vehicles from entering the park through two entrances between about 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the statement said.

Later that day, park rangers found Watson and her son — both deceased. They conducted an “on scene investigation” before the pair were transferred to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.

An investigation by the National Park Service is still underway, according to Monday’s press release.

If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider. In the U.K., call Samaritans at 116 123.