Tragic news out of Pueblo, Colorado, where a 53-year-old male died due to a suspected drowning after attempting to help kids swimming in rough waters at Lake Pueblo State Park on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, surrounding park visitors saw the man go under the water and went to pull him out. Rangers from Lake Pueblo State Park were called for help just before 2:45pm and were on scene within a few minutes. Park staff, medical personell, and the witnesses all assisted with CPR but were unsuccessful after about 40 minutes.
The water temperature was cold in the upper 50s with heavy winds. Two of the kids the victim helped were his children and two were friends. All four are safe and with their respective guardians. The body was turned over to the Pueblo County Coroner’s office for identification and an official cause of death determination. The man was not wearing a lift jacket at the time.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife is encouraging all park visitors participating in water recreational activities to wear a life jacket, including on paddleboards and kayaks, and to be aware of the dangers of cold water shock. Water temperatures below 68°F can cause gasping, inhalation of water, and hypothermia with sudden immersion, potentially resulting in unconsciousness or worse.
“CPW offers condolences to the family and friends of the victim and everyone involved in the incident.” – Becky Buist, Operations Manager at Lake Pueblo State Park.
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the victim at this time.