JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colorado — A man died and three others were injured after a raft overturned in Clear Creek near Highway 6 on Tuesday afternoon, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) said. The call for help came in around 12:42 p.m. JCSO said this rescue effort came just a couple of days after a tuber died in Clear Creek on Saturday.
JCSO said CPR was performed on a man until he was transported to the hospital. He was unconscious when he was pulled from the water. On Wednesday, the sheriff's office said the man had died.
A woman who was hanging onto a rock was also rescued. She was very cold from being in the water, and was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The two other victims were able to pull themselves out of the water before rescuers arrived, but also suffered minor injuries.
Highway 6 was closed from Highway 58 to Tunnel 1, and drivers had to find an alternate route. At 2:01 p.m., JCSO said Highway 6 had reopened both directions.
Tubing is not currently allowed for people entering from Clear Creek Canyon, but tubers can enter from Golden. However, JCSO said Clear Creek is not safe for tubing even though the water is currently moving slow because it's low and there are many rock hazards.
“This can be avoided. It’s way too dangerous," said Jacki Kelley, spokesperson for JCSO. "It’s way too rough for people in tubes to be up that high on the river.”
The Golden Fire Department said only experienced kayakers, with a buddy, should be in the water west of Highway 6.
This is a developing situation. This article will be updated as information is confirmed.
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