27-year-old Kaden Sites has been missing since Wednesday | Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office
Search teams in Chaffee County, Colorado continued their intensive effort Sunday to find 27-year-old Kaden Sites, who has been missing since he set out on a solo turkey hunt on Mount Shavano last Wednesday.
Sites, who hails from Salida, left the Blanks Cabin Trailhead around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, planning a short hunt as he was scheduled to return for a doctor's appointment at 3:45 p.m. that same afternoon. When he failed to show up, family members located his pickup truck at the trailhead with his cell phone inside — the battery completely drained.
The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office was notified around 7 p.m. Wednesday, and search operations began immediately. As of yesterday, the search effort has swelled to roughly 140 searchers expected in the field, including teams organized with family support. At this point, crews have reportedly covered more than 2,743 linear miles in the rugged terrain.
Searchers from multiple agencies, including Colorado search and rescue groups, have deployed ground teams, K9 units, drones, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and even mules to navigate the steep, wooded slopes of the 14,000-foot peak.
Early reports suggested Sites might have changed into a ghillie suit, which many believe could have complicated aerial and visual detection. However, authorities have since confirmed he was wearing a green hoodie, ripped khaki pants, and hiking boots, along with a binocular pack and shotgun. No other major gear was reported.
SAR Teams | Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office
“Our teams are still staying strong. They are determined to comb every inch of the terrain. We are also considering every possible scenario, as unlikely as they are. We have our law enforcement teams also working hard. A special thank you to all our surrounding Sheriffs who continue to support us. Your continued prayers are appreciated," Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich said in a statement.
Officials have asked the public to stay out of the search area to avoid interfering with operations, noting that unauthorized volunteers in the past have diverted resources. They also requested cooperation from nearby private property owners to allow search teams access.
There is no indication of foul play at this time, and the focus remains on locating Sites in the wilderness area west of Salida. Sites is described as a white male, approximately 6'2" tall, 160 pounds, with light brown hair, a goatee, and a mustache.
Family members and searchers continue to hold out hope as the operation presses on. The sheriff's office has asked for positive thoughts for the Sites family and the dedicated teams working around the clock.
The search remains active with no sign of Sites located as of the latest updates Sunday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office.
