Body found over 50 years ago at Independence Pass identified

LAKE COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- After more than 50 years, the family of a man found dead along one of Colorado's mountain passes has answers.

According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the body of a man was found on Independence Pass in June 1970.

Through using Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG), the CBI was able to identify him as Gardner Paul Smith, of Modesto, Calif. He would've been 39 when he died.

In 2022, previously extracted DNA was submitted for FGG testing led to the identification of Smith.

According to our Denver news partners, Gardner was a military veteran and a world-class skier. He was considered one of the top American ski racers.

His daughter told 9News she hadn't heard from her father since 1963. While learning he is no longer alive has been difficult, she's relieved to close the mystery of what happened to him.

The CBI said foul play is not suspected in his death - but anyone with information about Smith's disappearance can contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 719-486-1249