Man with local ties missing
May be in Gunnison area
Times Staff Report
Originally published 2012-08-09



A Pagosa Springs man with numerous ties to the Gunnison community is missing.
David Ritchie, 59, is reported to have wandered off into the woods outside of Bayfield Friday morning and as of press time Wednesday had not been seen or heard from. There has been some speculation, and an unconfirmed sighting, that Ritchie may have hitchhiked into the Gunnison area.
He is the brother of John Ritchie and brother-in-law of Jeff Wilkinson, both longtime Gunnison residents.
John Ritchie’s wife Pat said that David frequented the Gunnison area and knows many people here.
The Durango Herald reported that David Ritchie was being treated for depression and insomnia with a new medication, to which he may have suffered an adverse reaction.
He reportedly was en route with family to Durango seeking treatment for his symptoms, when he wandered off on his own from a stationary vehicle.
 A group of about 50 volunteers, mostly friends of Ritchie, began searching on Friday, the Herald reported. They were joined Sunday and Monday by a team from the Archuleta County Search and Rescue.
Pat Ritchie said her husband, her son Mike, who took a leave from his Virginia Naval post, and Wilkinson were participating in the search. She said she remained in Gunnison on the chance that he may show up here.
Anyone with information is being asked to call 970.884.5280.