SILT, Colo. — One person is dead after they became separated from their paddleboard group Saturday at Harvey Gap State Park.
Witnesses said four paddleboarders were caught in high winds while on Grass Valley Reservoir at the park, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). All of the paddleboarders were reported to not be wearing life jackets, CPW said.
One adult was not tethered to their board and did not surface in the rough conditions.
CPW officers and Garfield County Sheriff's deputies responded to the reservoir to confirm the missing person in the water about 3:18 p.m.. CPW launched two boats and used sonar devices to scan the water.
About 10 p.m., CPW's Marine Evidence Recovery Team found the body and completed the recovery with a submersible drone, CPW said.
The body has been turned over to the Garfield County coroner for identification and to determine the cause of death.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we send our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of this victim,” said Brian Palcer, Harvey Gap State Park manager. “We continue to urge everyone to pay close attention to weather conditions and to wear life jackets when they are on or near the water so we can avoid future tragedies like today.”
There have been five water recreation-related deaths this year in Colorado, according to CPW. If this death is determined to be a drowning, it would be the sixth water recreation-related death.
Life jackets are required for all watercraft in Colorado, including paddleboards and other hand-powered watercraft, according to CPW.
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