Remains found in Colorado prove to be those of missing City High grad

After DNA testing, authorities have confirmed that remains found in Colorado last May are that of missing City High graduate James Nelson.

Christy Waters, Nelson's sister, said Sunday that the remains found by a person scouting campsites near Holy Cross City on May 25 have since been returned to their family. She said the family plans to hold a remembrance ceremony next Saturday, with funeral services on Sunday.

The confirmation comes 21 months after Nelson's fiance reported him missing when he failed to return from a five day, 25 mile hike in the Holy Cross Wilderness area in October 2010.

Though volunteer hiking groups continued to search for the 31-year-old for months after his disappearance, Vail Mountain Rescue suspended a formal search for him on April 22, 2012.

Roughly one month later, a person scouting campsites near Holy Cross City found a campsite and human remains the sheriff's department believed to be Nelson's. Waters said cadaver dogs found Nelson's lower jaw bone, and DNA testing by the Eagle County Coroner's office later confirmed it was his.

A notebook found at the location determined Nelson may have been suffering from altitude sickness near the time of his disappearance. The investigation also found some of his gear to be missing, including a camera, GPS unit and a camp stove.

Waters said Nelson may have been sick and trying to descend since his campsite was found at 10,000 feet, and was located only a few miles from a jeep road.

Though the news is difficult to accept, Waters said the family hopes to gain closure from the discovery.

"It has been very hard and shocking that someone could be taken away so quickly at a young age," Waters said in an email. "James was blessed to leave this world doing what he loved. A picture of the view from his campsite shows he truly did find heaven."

She added Sunday that the family "would like all to know how life shouldn't be taken for granted, and how simple accidents can happen to everyone."