Authorities have determined that a 34-year-old Colorado man whose dog was found alone in his still-running truck died by accidental drowning, three months after he was first reported missing.
Paul Aragon was reported missing to the Broomfield Police Department on May 8 after his truck was discovered in Broomfield, according to a statement from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. At the time, he was believed to be living out of his vehicle and working in the Littleton or Lakewood areas.
A police officer initially came across the truck around 3:15 a.m. on May 2 in a construction zone off Edgeview Drive, near a local hotel, the Broomfield Police Department previously said.
“The engine of the truck was still running, lights were on and a dog was inside,” police noted. “Officers searched the surrounding area by foot and with a department drone but found nothing suspicious. Paul was not a guest at the hotel and did not answer when officers tried to reach him via phone.”
The following day, on May 3, another officer checked on the vehicle and found it still parked with the dog inside. Concerned for the animal’s welfare, officers took the dog to a local shelter while they continued to search the area, according to the release.
On May 8, Aragon’s mother — who had been contacted by police about the dog — reported her son missing. She told authorities she had not heard from him since April 28 or 29, and that he had failed to appear for work on May 5. Aragon was from the Aurora area.
On Aug. 25, about three months after he was reported missing, Aragon’s body was discovered in the water.
Investigators examined potential routes Aragon might have taken and interviewed his relatives, friends and known associates, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office said. Following that investigation, officials determined that Aragon died from drowning and classified his death as accidental.
“The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office concluded its investigation after finding no evidence to suggest that any criminal activity occurred in relation to Mr. Aragon’s death,” the department said, adding that they do not expect to issue further updates.
Speaking to KUSA after his son’s body was found, Aragon’s father, John Alarid, described the anguish of waiting for answers. “It was the most torturous feeling when we didn’t know nothing,” he said. “But to be able to at least bring him home and put him to rest is good.”
Breaking the news to Aragon’s 13-year-old daughter was especially painful, he added.
“She’s just sitting there with this blank look on her face,” Alarid recalled. “See your granddaughter with that pain — it’s ugly.”
A candlelight vigil was held in Aragon’s memory in September.
“I’m excited to hear all these stories just about him, just because I know he’s such a light and such a good spirit,” his sister, Jonise Aragon, said at the time, according to KMGH. “But obviously, I want to get my brother justice, figure out what happened to him, just to kind of heal all of us a little bit more. I know it’ll never replace him being here for sure, but it’ll help in the process.”
