Update: Suspicious death investigation
Updates are available in the suspicious death investigation.
On Sunday, September 10, 2023 around 10:18 a.m., Dispatch received a report of a person lying on the Foothills Trail near Horsetooth Reservoir. First responders located the man, who was deceased. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office identified him as Paul Gallenstein, 64, of Fort Collins.
An autopsy found that Mr. Gallenstein’s death was caused by a gunshot injury. Investigators are still working to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the manner of death has yet to be determined.
A team from Investigations, Forensic Services, Emergency Services, K9, and drone operators conducted an extensive search of the area. A weapon was not located. However, search efforts were impacted by the dense foliage surrounding the scene and heavy rainfall in the days following the incident. If anyone found a gun or other items on the Reservoir Ridge Foothills Trail that may be connected to this case, please contact LCSO immediately.
[Update: this person has been identified and contacted] Investigators are also trying to reach a Good Samaritan who was on the trail the morning of the incident. The man was walking his dog and assisted EMS personnel at the scene, but he left before investigators were able to interview him about any critical details he may have seen or heard in the area. A photo is attached. Investigators would like to speak with this person, and anyone who was on the Foothills Trail at Reservoir Ridge between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on September 10.
“Our investigators have been working nonstop to track down witnesses, information, and evidence in this case,” said Captain Bobby Moll. “We won’t stop working until we find out what happened to Paul. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family during this time of grief and uncertainty.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact LCSO Investigator Ryan Adams at 970-498-5174. People who wish to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.
[9/13/23]
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office investigators are asking community members for information related to a suspicious death.
On September 10, 2023 around 10:18 a.m., Dispatch received a report of a person lying on the Foothills Trail near Horsetooth Reservoir. First responders located the man, who was deceased. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office identified him as Paul Gallenstein, 64, of Fort Collins. The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation.
A photo of Mr. Gallenstein is attached. Anyone who was near the Foothills Trail on the morning of September 10 who saw him or who may have relevant information about this case, is asked to contact LCSO Investigator Ryan Adams at 970-498-5174. People who wish to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.
