Larimer County Coroner Confirms Mountain Lion Attack As Cause of Death

The Larimer County Coroner's Office has officially ruled that 46-year-old Fort Collins resident Kristen Marie Kovatch died from asphyxia caused by a mountain lion attack on January 1 on Crosier Mountain Trail, classifying the incident as an accident.

Dr. J. White, D.O., performed a full autopsy on January 5, 2025, at the Larimer County Forensic Sciences Center. The autopsy confirmed injuries consistent with a mountain lion attack, with asphyxia from external neck compression listed as the cause of death.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has documented 28 mountain lion attacks statewide since 1990, with the last fatal attack occurring in 1999, according to the agency's January 2 statement.

Kovatch's death marks Larimer County's first fatal mountain lion attack in 26 years.

"These are unfortunate situations," said Jeromy Huntington, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. "Incidents like these serve as a good reminder that we live in mountain lion country."

As winter hiking picks up on Crosier Mountain and nearby trails, residents can reduce encounters by avoiding solo hikes and supervising pets closely.

CPW recommends hikers who encounter mountain lions stop, make themselves look large, alert others, back away slowly without running, and contact wildlife officials if attacked.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife euthanized two mountain lions in connection with the case and performed necropsies to aid in their investigation.