By Shannon Lukens. Courtesy photos from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The family of Derek Pettigrew is helping raise money for Routt County Search and Rescue. They’ve put up a matching grant of $50,000 in an effort to raise over $100,000, through the Colorado Gives website.
22-year-old Derek Pettigrew, who grew up in Steamboat Springs went missing last July. His car was found a few miles from the Wyoming border, in Jackson County. Search teams, including Routt County Search and Rescue spent at least three days searching the area. Pettigrew was never found.
The parents of Derek posted more on the story about their son on the Colorado Gives site. It starts with, “Your son is going to kill himself, and there is nothing you can do.”
It ends with, “That is why we created this fund to honor Derek and the heroes of RCSAR. RCSAR depends on donations to continue its mission. They need gear, training, and resources to keep answering the call for families in crisis. To recognize their service, and to inspire others, the Pettigrew family will match the first 50k in contributions with a total goal of raising 100k+. Please, join us. Share this story. Support their work. Because one day, another family will find themselves with a loved one lost in the wilderness and RSCAR may be their only lifeline.
Pettigrew Family Fundraiser for RCSAR
People Magazine — Car Belonging to Missing Colorado Man, 22, Found Over 100 Miles Away from Where He Was Last Seen
Steamboat Radio post on July 20
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office July 23, 2025
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE:
Mail in a check: (please reference the Pettigrew Family)
- RCSAR
- PO Box 772837
- Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
Tax ID # 74-2034274 (for funds coming from charitable trusts)
YVCF is a 501(c)(3).
