In early 2020, the quiet mountain town of Fairplay, Colorado, became the backdrop for a deeply concerning missing person case that would leave a family and community searching for answers. Michael Blair, a 33-year-old man with very blonde hair that fell below his shoulders, was reported missing after he had not been seen or heard from for nearly a week.
Standing at approximately five feet six inches tall and with a lean build of around 130 to 140 pounds, his absence was uncharacteristic and immediately sparked worry among those who knew him. The last confirmed contact with Michael was on January 30, 2020. His roommate reported that Michael had left their home and simply did not return, prompting his mother to officially report him as a missing person to the Park County Sheriff's Office.
The circumstances surrounding Michael's disappearance pointed towards his passion for the outdoors and his expertise in navigating the challenging alpine environment. He was known as an avid and experienced backcountry snowboarder. It was reported that when he left, he had taken his split board and a new avalanche float bag with him, items essential for anyone venturing into the snowy, rugged terrain of the Colorado mountains. Michael did not own a vehicle, so it is believed he either walked from his residence in the Valley of the Sun area or possibly hitchhiked to his intended destination. He often spoke of his affinity for the Pennsylvania Mountain area, a location known for its challenging backcountry routes, leading friends and family to believe he may have headed there to snowboard.
In the days that followed the report, Park County Search and Rescue initiated an active search for Michael in the area near Alma. However, their efforts were severely hampered by the treacherous conditions that gripped the region. Recent and continuing snowstorms made the search extremely difficult and perilous for the rescue teams. The threat of avalanches became a significant concern, to the point where the search and rescue team experienced one in the search area shortly after they had passed through. Due to these escalating safety concerns for the search crews and volunteers, the official search for Michael Blair was heartbreakingly suspended. The authorities and his family requested that the public refrain from conducting their own searches until the conditions improved. The case remains an open investigation, a painful testament to a man who ventured into the mountains he loved and vanished, leaving a void of uncertainty for his loved ones and the community.Last Seen: Feb 7, 2020
