Depression, insomnia meds may have caused southwest Colo. man’s death

David Bruce Ritchie (Durango Herald)

CORTEZ, Colo. – Depression and insomnia medication could be to blame in the death of a Pagosa Springs man who went missing last month. The man’s remains, which were strewn about in southwestern Colorado, were identified Thursday.

The Durango Herald reports that cattlemen found 59-year-old David Bruce Ritchie’s remains Tuesday off of U.S. Highway 160 near the Archuleta-La Plata county line.

Ritchie was with his family seeking medical treatment at a friend’s house when he wandered off at about 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 5, according to the paper.

Liz Anderson, a family friend said Ritchie was taking a new medication for depression and insomnia, and that it could have contributed to feelings of paranoia and caused him to take off, but authorities have not confirmed that.

Emergency crews searched for Ritchie over a period of two days before calling off the search. He was identified by dental records after his remains were found to be spread over a distance — likely the result of coyotes, according to authorities.