Joshua Maddux Death Investigation
Coroner Al Born amended the official cause of death for Joshua Maddux to 'undetermined' on April 7, 2016, following new revelations and anonymous tips suggesting foul play in his 2008 disappearance and 2015 discovery in a cabin chimney. As of April 7, 2016, this change has not prompted a new active investigation. The coroner previously stated the position of Maddux's body suggested it was placed there by at least two people, and the cabin owner noted a grate would have prevented entry, with Maddux's clothes found neatly folded. Maddux's sister, Kate, shared the family's ongoing confusion and heartbreak, initially believing he was murdered despite the earlier accidental death ruling on January 2, 2026.
Timeline
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June 2026 — 1 developments
Joshua Maddux death cause amended to 'undetermined' by coroner
Coroner Al Born amended the official cause of death for Joshua Maddux to 'undetermined' on April 7, 2016. This change was made in light of new revelations, though it has not prompted a new active investigation into the 2008 disappearance and 2015 discovery of Maddux.
April 2026 — 2 developments
Coroner suggests Joshua Maddux's body was placed in chimney by at least two people
The coroner stated that the position of Joshua Maddux's body in the cabin chimney suggested it was placed there by at least two people. Anonymous tips have also suggested foul play in the 2008 disappearance and 2015 discovery of Maddux.
Coroner acknowledges confusing aspects in Joshua Maddux's accidental death ruling
Lingering questions persist regarding Joshua Maddux's 2008 accidental death ruling, with the coroner acknowledging confusing aspects of how his remains were found in a cabin chimney. The cabin owner stated a grate would have prevented entry, and Maddux's clothes were found neatly folded, suggesting he removed them before attempting to enter the chimney, details that fuel skepticism about the accidental nature of his death.
January 2026 — 3 developments
Joshua Maddux's unnatural body position questions accidental death ruling
The unnatural position of Joshua Maddux's body when found is cited as a reason to question the official ruling of accidental death.
Coroner Al Born rules Joshua Maddux death accidental, closes case
The death of Joshua Maddux was officially ruled an accidental death, leading to the closure of the case without a criminal investigation. Coroner Al Born confirmed there were no signs of trauma on Maddux's remains, such as broken bones or stab wounds.
Hot On The Case investigates Joshua Maddux's disappearance and death
Hot On The Case investigates the disappearance & death of Joshua Maddux.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Joshua Maddux's sister shares family's ongoing confusion and heartbreak over his death
Joshua Maddux's older sister, Kate, shared her family's ongoing confusion and heartbreak over his death, noting that the family initially believed he was murdered despite the coroner's accidental death ruling.
May 2024 — 1 developments
Cabin where Joshua Maddux's body was found demolished days after identification
The cabin where Joshua Maddux's body was discovered was reportedly demolished just days after his identification, which prevented any further investigation of the scene.
November 2023 — 1 developments
Reddit discussion highlights inconsistencies in Joshua Maddux accidental death ruling
A Reddit discussion highlighted specific inconsistencies challenging the official accidental death ruling, including Joshua Maddux being found wedged upside down and the chimney's metal covering remaining in place.
October 2023 — 1 developments
Man admits pushing Joshua Maddux into chimney despite accidental death ruling
Some community members raised concerns about a man who allegedly admitted to pushing Joshua Maddux into the chimney, despite the official ruling of accidental death.
May 2023 — 1 developments
Joshua Maddux's body found in fetal position inside cabin
Joshua Maddux's body was discovered in a fetal position, wearing only a shirt, with his other clothes folded neatly inside the cabin.
December 2017 — 1 developments
Chuck Murphy disputes coroner's accidental death ruling in Joshua Maddux case
Property developer Chuck Murphy, who discovered Joshua Maddux's body, disputed the coroner's accidental death ruling, stating that a steel rebar mesh he had installed would have prevented anyone from climbing into the chimney.
October 2015 — 1 developments
Joshua Maddux's Death Gains International Coverage for Unusual Discovery
The story of Joshua Maddux's death gains international news coverage, highlighting the unusual circumstances of his discovery.
September 2015 — 1 developments
Teller County Coroner Rules Joshua Maddux's Death Accidental
Teller County Coroner Al Born officially rules Joshua Maddux's death as accidental, speculating he climbed into the chimney and became stuck, likely succumbing to hypothermia.
August 2015 — 1 developments
Property developer Chuck Murphy discovers mummified body in chimney of abandoned cabin
Property developer Chuck Murphy discovers Joshua's mummified body in the chimney of an old, abandoned cabin he was demolishing, less than a mile from the Maddux family home.
May 2008 — 1 developments
Mike Maddux reports son Joshua missing to police
After Joshua fails to return, his father, Mike Maddux, reports him missing to the police.