Two sisters and a teenage boy whose remains were discovered in a remote Colorado campsite had been trying to live off the grid, according to family members. The bodies of Christine Vance, 41, Rebecca Vance, 42, and Rebecca's 14-year-old son were found in and around a tent in Gunnison National Forest, about 9 miles from Ohio City, Colorado.
The women's stepsister, Trevala Jara, said the family set off for the remote area last summer, seeking to escape civilization. They had no survival experience and relied on online research and YouTube videos. 'We tried to stop them,' Jara told the Gazette. 'But they wouldn't listen. Their minds were made up.'
A hiker discovered the remains earlier this month. Authorities found empty food cans, books, and a restroom area at the site, indicating the group survived on canned goods. The bodies showed signs of malnourishment. Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes said the cause of death is pending toxicology reports, but suspects starvation, freezing temperatures, or carbon monoxide poisoning from attempts to keep warm.
Barnes noted the area experienced a significantly harsh winter, with more snow than in previous years. The family likely started camping in late summer and died over winter. They had begun building a lean-to shelter but did not finish before winter set in. 'I wonder if winter came on quickly and suddenly they were just in survival mode in the tent,' Barnes said.
Jara said the sisters were worried about the state of the world, with Rebecca's concerns magnified by the pandemic. Christine joined her sister and nephew so they wouldn't be alone. 'You need years of practice before you go off the grid,' Jara said. 'They watched some YouTube videos, but doing it is totally different if you have no experience.'
