A young mother and her son were discovered dead in Rocky Mountain National Park on January 24. According to the Larimer County authorities, they believe the mother and son’s death is the result of a murder-suicide.
As the Colorado Springs Gazette reports, 24-year-old Tristen Watson and her 17-month-old son, Christopher, were found on Beaver Meadows Trail after police received a call about a “suicidal subject.” The bodies were not far from where their car was parked.
Husband Mourns the Loss of His Wife and Two Children
Authorities say Tristen shot her son in the head before turning the gun on herself. Tristen was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death. According to the Gazette, the mom announced that she was due in June on Facebook. The obituary named the unborn baby girl, Aspen Ann Watson.
Tristen is survived by her husband Derrick Watson. In a Facebook post, Watson wrote, “I have been trying to find the words, but I simply have no words for the pain that this family is going through right now. Three lives taken far to soon… if you are struggling or know someone that is, please reach out to them.”
Watson continued, “If they are unwilling themselves, seek the help they need for them, make them get the help. It should never end like this. The burden passed onto others is far greater than any burden you may be facing.
The father then asked those wishing to donate on his family’s behalf to donate to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). A GoFundMe has also been set up to raise money for funeral services and counseling.
If you or someone you know is dealing with depression or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.