FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California Man Identified by San Miguel County Coroner
61-year-old was a frequent visitor to Telluride, investigation is ongoing
(September 5, 2023) – Telluride, CO --- Early this morning, Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the Telluride Marshal’s Department responded to the unattended death of an adult male near the San Miguel River in Telluride, Colorado.
The decedent has been identified as 61-year-old Andrew Hignite of California. Mr. Hignite went missing around 9:30 pm MST last night and was discovered around 7:15 am this morning. An initial forensic autopsy was performed on September 5, 2023, at the San Miguel County Coroner’s Office by County Coroner Emil Sante. The family of the deceased has been notified and has asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr. Hignite's family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Chief Josh Comte. “We ask that their privacy be respected as the investigation continues.”
The cause and manner of death await a full forensic autopsy, though foul play has been ruled out.
Mr. Hignite has frequently visited Telluride since childhood and is survived by his brother Danny, his mother Billie, and his wife Michelle.
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Communications Manager
Lindsey Mills
Cell: (303) 319-6448
Email: lmills@telluride-co.gov
ABOUT TELLURIDE
A former Victorian mining town in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride was incorporated in 1977 as a home-rule municipality. Set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of the popular Telluride ski-and-golf resort, the town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing arts venue originally built in 1913, and the Telluride Historical Museum, which showcases local history in a converted hospital built in 1896. For more information, please visit us online at telluride-co.gov.