A trip to a historic coalfield site north of Trinidad took a dark turn when a visitor discovered a body inside an abandoned building near the Ludlow Massacre memorial. Authorities have identified the remains as James Hedges, 43, of Trinidad, and are treating the case as a suspicious death. The visitor reported the discovery at about 1:42 p.m. on May 17, according to law enforcement.
State investigators lead the probe
According to the Denver Gazette, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said Hedges was found in an abandoned structure near the intersection of County Road 44 and County Road 61.5, the location of the Ludlow Monument. The agency has classified the death as suspicious and asked anyone with information to contact investigators at 719-846-2211. Officials have not released a cause of death and have not announced any arrests.
Historic site and remote setting
The Ludlow Monument, erected by the United Mine Workers shortly after the 1914 conflict, is a granite memorial dating to 1918, as noted by History Colorado. The former tent-colony site is also listed as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, and preservation groups in recent years have focused on stabilizing the cellar and interpreting the events that led to the massacre. The combination of remote terrain and deep historical significance has turned Ludlow into both a pilgrimage spot for labor history and an occasional magnet for media attention.
What investigators say and next steps
Investigators have shared few details about Hedges’s movements before his death, and the Las Animas County coroner has not yet released a cause of death. Per reporting from the Denver Gazette, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation has again urged anyone with information to call 719-846-2211 as the inquiry continues. Officials say they plan to release more findings when they can do so without affecting the ongoing investigation.
How to help
If you were in the area of County Road 44 and County Road 61.5 on May 17 or have video, photos, or other potentially useful information, local authorities say your tip could make a difference. Contact the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office or reach investigators at 719-846-2211 to share what you know.
