K9 unit named Watson found deceased after going missing in Colorado mountains

A missing law enforcement K9 was found deceased in Colorado, according to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office.

K9 Watson, a male chocolate lab that was trained in narcotics detection, went missing on the morning of October 1 during an "airing break" while in the mountains near 12-Mile Canyon off of Highway 9. At the time, it was suspected that Watson was lured off of the property he was on by a person or animal. An extensive search ensued, utilizing foot patrols and drones, but no evidence of his whereabouts were initially found.

Watson wouldn't be found until the afternoon of October 4, when his "best friend and handler," Deputy Holmes, spotted his body just off of Colorado Highway 9 with apparent trauma related to a vehicle.

Services for Watson are set to be arranged at a later date.

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office has requested that the public keep the men and women of their agency, especially K9 Deputy Holmes, in their prayers during this difficult time.

Condolences go out to those impacted by the loss of Watson.

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