The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that the man found dead near Horsetooth Reservoir was shot.
An autopsy found that the death of 64-year-old Paul Gallenstein of Fort Collins, who was found lying on the Foothills Trail near the reservoir Sept. 10, was caused by a gunshot injury, according to an LCSO release. Investigators are still working to “understand the circumstances surrounding the incident” and the manner of death has yet to be determined, the release added.
While investigators conducted an “extensive search of the area,” a weapon was not located. However, search efforts were impacted by the “dense foliage” that surrounds the scene and heavy rainfall that occurred in the days following the incident, according to the release.
“Our investigators have been working nonstop to track down witnesses, information, and evidence in this case,” said Capt. Bobby Moll. “We won’t stop working until we find out what happened to Paul. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family during this time of grief and uncertainty.”
Investigators on Tuesday located a man who was walking a dog on the trail that morning and who assisted EMS personnel, hoping to learn “critical details he may have seen or heard in the area,” according to the release.
Authorities are still looking for other evidence and information and ask anyone who found a gun or other items on the Reservoir Ridge Foothills Trail that may be connected to the case to contact LCSO immediately.
Anyone with information can contact Investigator Ryan Adams at 970-498-5174. Those wishing to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or at stopcriminals.org.
