Key Points
- 20-year-old Kaylee Russell was found dead inside her overturned vehicle on Thursday afternoon.
- Russell had been missing since November 30, prompting an endangered missing alert from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
- Her car, a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, was discovered flipped in the Larimer and Weld Canal.
- Family members confirmed her death and described her as independent, hardworking, and deeply loved.
- Colorado State Patrol is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Family Confirms Death of Missing Colorado Woman
The search for 20-year-old Kaylee Russell came to a tragic end on Thursday when authorities located her overturned vehicle in an irrigation canal near Larimer County Road 44, also known as Prospect Road. Russell’s family confirmed her death through a statement on their verified GoFundMe page, bringing a heartbreaking close to a multi-day search effort.
Russell, a resident of Evans, Colorado, had been missing since November 30.
Timeline of Her Disappearance
Russell was last seen around 6 p.m. on November 30 near the Loveland/Johnstown Park-N-Ride off Highway 402 and I‑25. Earlier that evening, she experienced a flat tire. Her father helped replace it before she dropped him off and continued driving toward LaSalle to visit a cousin.
She never arrived. Her phone stopped sharing location data shortly afterward, raising immediate concern.
By Wednesday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued an endangered missing alert, and Evans Police coordinated a widespread search.
Vehicle Located in Irrigation Canal
On Thursday morning, first responders searched waterways near South County Line Road and County Road 18. Later that afternoon, a search party discovered Russell’s black 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan overturned in the Larimer and Weld Canal.
She was found deceased inside the vehicle. The Colorado State Patrol has taken over the investigation, and the cause of the crash remains under review.
Family and Community Mourn
Friends and family have shared emotional tributes as news of Russell’s death spread.
Family friend Faith Campbell described her as outgoing and deeply connected to those around her. Her mother, Rebecca Russell, remembered her daughter as “independent, hardworking, and my best friend.”
The family had launched a verified GoFundMe to support search efforts and now face the difficult task of planning funeral arrangements.
What Happens Next?
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including how Russell’s vehicle ended up overturned in the canal. Evans Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 970‑350‑9600.
The community is expected to hold memorial gatherings in the coming days as loved ones honor Russell’s life.
