Title: Man Found Dead at Colorado Adventure Park After Illegally Entering After Hours
Subtitle: Authorities discover weapons, explosives, and a distressing message at the scene
by Jennifer McRae
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO – A tragic incident occurred at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park over the weekend when a man illegally entered the park after hours and was found dead, according to law enforcement officials. The man has been identified as 20-year-old Diego Barajas Medina from the nearby town of Carbondale, as confirmed by the Garfield County Coroner. The cause of death has been ruled as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Medina’s body was found in a women’s restroom, where a message on the wall revealed his intentions. It read, “I am not a killer, I just wanted to get into the caves.”
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office shared that Medina was dressed in black tactical clothing that resembled law enforcement attire. He was heavily armed with a semi-automatic rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and multiple loaded magazines for both weapons. Further investigation revealed that the guns were “ghost guns” or self-made weapons. Furthermore, the suspect was wearing body armor and a ballistic helmet. Authorities also discovered multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and both real and fake pipe bombs, as well as several fake hand grenades.
Immediate action was taken by the Grand Junction Bomb Squad, who safely rendered the devices found on Medina’s person and in his associated vehicle. The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park was also meticulously swept by a bomb squad and the Garfield County All Hazard Response Team to ensure no further IEDs were present on the premises. Authorities confirmed that the public was not at risk, and Medina’s actions were limited to the property of Glenwood Caverns.
Walt Stowe, spokesperson for the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the potential danger posed by Medina, stating, “While this investigation is still ongoing and very active, it is important to realize that given the amount of weaponry, ammunition, and explosive devices found, the suspect could have implemented an attack of devastating proportions upon our community and first responders.”
The park, which was closed during the incident, stated that Medina trespassed onto the property overnight and was discovered during routine maintenance and security inspections before the park’s opening. The park management emphasized that the tragic event did not occur near any of the park’s secure areas and was unrelated to any rides or attractions.
General Manager Nancy Heard expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended gratitude to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department, the Coroner’s Office, the Garfield County All Hazard Response Team, and other authorities for their swift response and thorough investigation to ensure the park’s safety. She also thanked the Glenwood Springs community for their support during this difficult time.
Further investigation into Medina’s activities led authorities to search his residence in order to determine the extent of any potential criminal activity.
The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has previously faced tragedy in 2021, when a 6-year-old girl died at the Haunted Mine Drop attraction. While criminal charges were not filed against park workers, a civil lawsuit filed by the girl’s family is still ongoing. The state of Colorado also imposed a fine of $68,000 on the park, citing failure to ensure the girl’s proper safety measures were in place before the ride began.
For now, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will remain closed until November 9, and the winter season for the park will begin on November 10.