GRAND JUNCTION, CO — The Mesa County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the man found dead last Friday in the desert area north of Grand Junction.
According to a media release issued Wednesday, March 25, the deceased has been identified as Edgar Rivera, 36, a resident of Grand Junction. Rivera was discovered in the desert region just north of 25 Road on March 20, 2026.
While an autopsy has been completed, the Coroner’s Office stated that the official cause and manner of death are still pending. The office is currently awaiting the results of “several special studies and additional investigative information” before making a final determination.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate the circumstances surrounding Rivera’s death. Deputies originally responded to the scene at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Friday after receiving reports of a suspicious death. As previously reported, early scanner traffic from the time of the incident suggested a female caller reported a possible overdose near a white van, potentially involving two males. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed any additional details.
Law enforcement is still asking for the public’s assistance in this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Investigator Pete Burg at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at 970-244-3263, referencing case number 26-10672.
