In the summer of 2021, a somber discovery was made along U.S. Highway 160 near Mancos Hill, a short distance from the La Plata County line in southwestern Colorado. On June 30th, law enforcement officials were dispatched to investigate a Ford Expedition that had been stationary on the south shoulder of the highway for several days. Inside the vehicle, they found the bodies of 56-year-old Eric Richard Allen and his wife, Yong C. Allen, who was also 56.
The couple resided in Roswell, New Mexico, and had spent the last year of their lives traveling after selling all of their possessions.
An investigation into their deaths was launched by the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office. The findings of the investigation pointed to a tragic end for the couple. It was determined that Eric Allen died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a handgun was found at the scene. His wife, Yong Allen, died from an overdose of Ambien, a prescription sleeping medication she had been prescribed. The autopsies indicated that their deaths occurred around the same time, suggesting a coordinated act.
After a thorough examination of the scene and the circumstances surrounding their deaths, authorities found no evidence of foul play. The vehicle showed no signs of a struggle or collision, and there was no indication of external trauma on Yong Allen's body. Based on the evidence, Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin concluded that the couple had died by suicide. As a result of this determination, no suspects were sought, and no arrests were made in connection with the deaths of Eric and Yong Allen.
