Medical assistant identified as hiker killed by mountain lion

Officials identified Kristin Marie Kovatch, 46, as the hiker killed by a mountain lion near Glen Haven, Colorado, and said two mountain lions found nearby were euthanized.

Kristin Marie Kovatch, 46, has been identified as the hiker who died after an encounter with a mountain lion near Glen Haven, Colorado. The Larimer County Coroner's Office reported the autopsy listed asphyxia from neck compression as the cause of death, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said two subadult mountain lions found nearby were euthanized. Officials reported human DNA on the paws of the male subadult and that both animals tested negative for rabies. Crosier Mountain trails were closed while responders worked and have since been reopened with signage and educational messages posted. Known details: - The hiker was identified as Kristin Marie Kovatch, 46, of Fort Collins. - The coroner reported the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck compression by a mountain lion. - Two subadult mountain lions found near the scene were euthanized; necropsy found human DNA on the male's paws and both were negative for rabies. - CPW ended its search for a third mountain lion and the Crosier trails have been reopened with posted notices. Summary: The incident is reported as Colorado's first fatal mountain lion attack on a person in about a century, and officials note there have been 28 reported attacks in the state over the past 36 years. Undetermined at this time.