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DENVER (KDVR) — The search for a Colorado man, last seen almost a month ago entering a dumpster and not re-emerging, continues with no resolution. Despite exhaustive efforts, authorities have yet to locate him.
On January 17, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received a report regarding Carl Smith, a 57-year-old from Loveland, Colorado, who was missing. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from his last known spot, which captured him climbing into a dumpster in unincorporated Larimer County without ever exiting.
Shortly after his entry, a garbage truck collected the contents of the dumpster and transported the load to the Larimer County landfill.
In response, the sheriff’s office conducted a thorough four-day search of the landfill. This extensive operation involved collaboration with the Emergency Services Phantom Canyon crew, Larimer County Search & Rescue (LCSAR), the Larimer County Coroner’s Office, and the Solid Waste staff.
The search team employed a variety of methods, including the use of hand tools, heavy machinery, cadaver dogs, and drones, to sift through approximately 10,000 cubic yards of solid waste in hopes of finding Smith.
They never found Smith, the sheriff’s office said.
“While many questions remain unanswered, our team went to considerable efforts in hopes of locating Mr. Smith,” said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen. “We couldn’t have gone to such lengths without the hard manual labor of our crew and help of our partners at Larimer County Solid Waste and LCSAR. All human life holds value, and these folks demonstrated that through their unwavering dedication to this tough operation.”
Investigators have not figured out why Smith got into the dumpster, but they do not suspect foul play, the sheriff’s office said. Smith is still considered missing.