DENVER (KDVR) — Investigators say that there was no criminal activity found in connection with a missing man’s death after he was found months later in Coal Creek.
Paul Aragon, 34, was reported missing by his mother on May 8 after his still-running truck with his dog inside was found abandoned in Broomfield on May 2. His family last heard from him on April 28 or 29, and on May 5, officials said he “no-showed” for work.
On Aug. 25, Aragon’s body was found in the water of Coal Creek near Highway 93 and Highway 128 in Boulder County. After finding his remains, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office said it conducted an extensive search and investigation. The investigation included a K-9 search, drone search, canvass of possible travel routes, and interviews with family, friends and known associates.
The Broomfield Police Department shared this image of Paul Aragon, 34, who was reported missing by his family on May 8, 2025. (Courtesy the Broomfield Police Department) 
The Broomfield Police Department shared this alert for Paul Aragon, 34, who was reported missing by his family on May 8, 2025. (Courtesy the Broomfield Police Department)
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office investigation found no evidence of criminal activity related to Aragon’s death, and the Boulder County Coroner’s Office investigation determined that Aragon had died of an accidental drowning.
Aragon’s truck, dog found miles from his body
Aragon had been living in his truck, which was found in a construction area off Edgeview Drive near the WoodSpring Suites at about 3:15 a.m. on May 2. FOX31’s Alliyah Sims spoke with Mercedes Hess as friends and family searched the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge in July.
According to Google Maps, the location of Aragon’s body was about eight miles from where his truck and dog were found in Broomfield.
“I didn’t think it was something. Paul is very independent. He is tough. He is strong. He’s probably one of the strongest people I know,” Hess said on July 6. “So, I wasn’t initially worried. When they found his truck, panic struck. He would never leave that dog. He loves that dog.”
Hess had been Aragon’s girlfriend for about five months before his disappearance, and she said they had been working as peer coaches for a transitional house in Colorado Springs.
Police said that when Aragon’s truck was located, they searched the area on foot and with a drone, but found nothing. Aragon had not been staying at the hotel and he didn’t answer his phone when officers tried to reach him.
Aragon’s phone also reportedly pinged near where the July search was held in the Rocky Mountain Flats.