University of Colorado Boulder student Megan Trussell died by suicide, the Boulder County Coroner’s Office reaffirmed in an updated autopsy report.
In the updated report dated July 15, forensic pathologist Meredith A. Frank stated that tests on Trussell’s stomach contents did not result in findings of any “toxicological significance.” Frank further affirmed that Trussell, then 18, died by suicide and that the high level of amphetamine content in Trussell’s stomach was degrading as expected.
Trussell died in February in Boulder Canyon as a result of the toxic effects of amphetamine—a primary ingredient in Adderall. Trussell’s mother, Vanessa Diaz, previously confirmed that Trussell was prescribed amphetamines to treat ADHD.
Exposure to a cold environment, or hypothermia, contributed to her death, according to the autopsy.
Trussell was last seen at 9 p.m. Feb. 9 while leaving her campus dorm, Hallett Hall. On Feb. 15, she was found on “hard-to-reach” terrain near the 40-mile marker of Boulder Canyon Drive, just west of the intersection of Cañon Park Drive and Boulder Canyon Drive. The recovery effort included a technical evacuation, including rappelling.
In May, the Boulder County Coroner’s Office first ruled her manner of death as suicide. Trussell’s mother, Vanessa Diaz has said she believes that ruling to be wrong.
In March, Diaz said she believes “there was a struggle” involved in Trussell’s death, citing Trussell’s ripped purse and a missing shoe. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office determined that foul play was not involved. In May, after the initial suicide ruling, Diaz said she believed suicide was not possible.
“Megan was so vibrant and just a happy, happy child,” Diaz said in May. “Anybody who knows her knows she was not suicidal. She wouldn’t kill herself. She’s never had any history of that.”
Diaz could not be immediately reached for comment.
