The Colorado Bureau of Investigations remains tight-lipped about whether they have any clues or leads pertaining to the human remains found on Middle Mountain in September – but a name has been released.

DNA testing identified the skeletal remains to belonging to Micheal Kroll of Joplin, Missouri, according to the Pagosa Springs Police Department, which posted on its Facebook page in January that Kroll had been in the Pagosa Springs area a short time before being reported missing Oct. 19, 2021. He was 41 years old when he went missing.

“We were advised he lived in town for a short period of time by the person who reported him missing,” said Pagosa Springs Police Chief William Rockensock. “There’s nothing else I can release to you now on this investigation.”

Hikers discovered the remains in the area of Middle Mountain Road northeast of Vallecito Reservoir on Sept. 25, 2022. No autopsy occurred because only a skeleton was recovered, according the La Plata County coroner. The remains are currently being examined by Fort Lewis College professor and Dean of Anthropology Dawn Mulhern, who coordinates forensic studies.

Mulhern could not be reached for comment concerning possible clues about Kroll’s demise.

CBI referred to the Pagosa police Facebook post when asked for information.

“There are no additional details available at this time as this is an active and ongoing investigation,” Lisa Kohlbrenner, spokeswoman with CBI, said in an email.

gjaros@durangoherald.com