Missing teen found trapped inside chimney after 7-year search
The disappearance of 18-year-old Joshua Maddux in 2008 remained a mystery for seven years. The Colorado teen, known for his resilience and love of the outdoors, vanished after leaving his home for a walk.
His remains were discovered in 2015 by construction workers demolishing an abandoned cabin near his home. Joshua’s body was found inside a chimney, positioned head-first in a fetal pose.
The circumstances were highly unusual. His clothes were found neatly folded inside the cabin, and a heavy breakfast bar had been moved to block the chimney from the inside.
The initial autopsy found no signs of trauma or drugs. The coroner first ruled the death an accidental hypothermia case, suggesting Joshua had become stuck after climbing into the chimney.
However, the cabin owner disputed this, noting a steel mesh screen he had installed at the top of the chimney years earlier, which he insisted would have prevented anyone from entering.
Faced with these inconsistencies, the coroner reopened the case. The official cause of death was later changed to undetermined, acknowledging that accident, murder, or other causes were all possible.
Despite tips and a potential suspect, the case remains unsolved. Joshua’s death is a tragic and perplexing mystery, with the full truth of what happened that day likely lost forever.
