Jackson County Sheriff’s Office ends search efforts for missing man

Courtesy of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Search efforts for a man who went missing in Jackson County have been called off, said Jackson County Sheriff’s spokesperson Kayla Rizor.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office began search efforts for Derek W. Pettigrew, a 22-year-old Fort Collins man, on July 16. The sheriff’s office was notified by Fort Collins Police Department when Pettigrew’s cell phone pinged a nearby tower. Pettigrew was reported to be experiencing a mental health crisis and in possession of a firearm.
Later that day, Pettigrew’s vehicle was found unoccupied on State Highway 127 about 3.5 miles south of the Wyoming border, with his phone inside the vehicle.
Authorities responded with an extensive search effort on July 17 and 18 involving Classic Air Medical helicopters, ground teams from local and state law enforcement, and search dogs. Drones provided by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office were also used to scan the area, but no trace of Pettigrew was found beyond his vehicle.
“Pettigrew’s family has been extremely cooperative with law enforcement throughout the investigation,” wrote the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in the statement. “Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult time.”
According to Kayla Rizor of the sheriff’s office, the search was called off after these efforts. At this time, no foul play is suspected in Pettigrew’s disappearance.

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