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John Hollenhorst ReportingA Michigan teenager disappeared more than six months ago under unusual circumstances, and Colorado authorities are looking to Utah for some answers.
The search is centered in scenic country just across the Colorado border, southeast of Moab. Two of the people involved in the case live in Moab. Colorado investigators contacted us because they're stumped and desperate for a lead.
Since October, searchers have been combing this rugged landscape where the missing teen was supposedly last seen.
Bill Masters, San Miguel County Sheriff: “We could be walking real close to a body and miss it.”
They're still trying to make sense of the facts they've gathered from the missing man's companions.
Norman Squier, Colorado Investigator: “There are just so many questions that arise out of the explanations.”
His name is, or was, Raymond Wiggs, 19-years old, from Alanson, Michigan. He supposedly went camping here with two Moab residents and a friend from Michigan. They reported him missing. But investigators say they seemed noticeably unenthusiastic about helping the search.
Norman Squier: "It was a delayed report, over 24 hours. Information was very slow and hard to come by."
The companions say they left Moab on the spur of the moment to go camping. Arriving here at 3 a.m., they supposedly went hiking immediately.
Bill Masters: “Even in the middle of the night, which seemed a bit odd to me.”
The companions say Wiggs vanished the following day during another hike that afternoon.
A reward has been offered by Wiggs' mother. She reportedly raised $4,000 by conducting bake sales.
Bill Masters: "Obviously, this long time-frame, we're looking for a body recovery. But we'd like to put some closure to this issue for the family. And for our own piece of mind."
They say there's no evidence of foul play. Wiggs may have fallen off a cliff, been attacked by a mountain lion, or simply walked away.
Norman Squier: "I don't want to rule anything out. And I don't want to jump to any conclusions."
Investigators hope someone in Utah knows something that will help solve the case. If you think you do, call the Sheriff's Office in Telluride, Colorado. The number is 970-728-1911.
