Authorities Identify Man Found Dead in Abandoned Building Near Ludlow Memorial as CBI Assists Investigation
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Description: The Las Animas County Coroner’s Office identified James Edwin Hedges IV of Trinidad, Colorado, as the man found deceased near the Ludlow Massacre Memorial Site on May 17, 2026. The death remains under active investigation by the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Las Animas County Coroner Identifies Trinidad Man Found Dead Near Ludlow Massacre Site in Suspicious Death Investigation
May 19, 2026
Las Animas County Coroner's Office Identifies Decedent in Suspicious Death Investigation Near Ludlow
Ludlow, Colorado The Las Animas County Coroner's Office has identified the decedent located on May 17, 2026, in an abandoned building near the Ludlow Massacre Memorial Site as James Edwin Hedges 4th, DOB 03/05/1983, of Trinidad, Colorado.
On May 17, 2026, at approximately 1:42 p.m., deputies with the Las Animas County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to an abandoned structure in the area of County Road 44 and County Road 61.5, near Ludlow, approximately 15 miles north of Trinidad, after a visitor located a deceased individual inside the building. The circumstances surrounding the death are considered suspicious at this time. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation was requested to assist the Las Animas County Sheriff's Office with the investigation.
The Las Animas County Coroner's Office has completed notification to the legal next of kin. An autopsy was completed on May 19, 2026. Cause and manner of death remain pending final autopsy findings, toxicology, and continued investigation.
Anyone with information surrounding this incident is asked to contact the Colorado Bureau of Investigation or the Las Animas County Sheriff's Office at 719-846-2211, extension 7.
No further information will be released by the Las Animas County Coroner's Office at this time in order to preserve the integrity of the active investigation.
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