A 20-year-old man, identified as Diego Barajas Medina, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Medina’s body was discovered by park employees in a women’s restroom on Saturday morning. He was armed with a rifle, a pistol, and multiple magazines for both weapons. Additionally, he was dressed in tactical gear, including body armor and a helmet, and had homemade explosive devices in his possession.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office reported that a message was found on a bathroom wall, which read, “I am not a killer. I just wanted to get into the caves.” However, it remains unconfirmed if Medina wrote the message. The sheriff’s office believes that Medina entered the amusement park after it closed on Friday, but his motives for doing so are unknown.
Authorities expressed concern over the potential for a violent attack, given the significant amount of weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices found in Medina’s possession. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office stated that the suspect could have carried out an attack of devastating proportions on the community and first responders.
Following the incident, police conducted a search of the home Medina shared with his mother and brother. No additional information about the search or its findings has been released.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which reopened after being searched by the Grand Junction Bomb Squad and the Garfield County All Hazard Response Team, issued a statement expressing their sadness and gratitude for the swift action taken by law enforcement. The park manager, Nancy Heard, emphasized the importance of community safety and thanked the authorities for their thorough investigation.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a popular attraction known for its thrill rides and natural caves. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
