The body of a missing paddleboarder was recovered by crews from Chatfield State Park Monday evening, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said.
According to witnesses, a man and his two children were sharing one paddleboard when a large wind gust knocked them into the reservoir around 4:25 p.m., CPW said.
CPW said nearby paddleboarders witnessed the incident and rescued the two children, however, were not able to pull the man from the water.
According to CPW, CPW park rangers, South Metro and West Metro divers and the CPW Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) officers responded and searched the water for the missing man.
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Using sonar and an underwater drone, the MERT officers recovered the victim around 7:15 p.m., noting he was not wearing a life jacket.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a death investigation of the incident. The Jefferson County Coroner will release the victim’s identity.
Life jackets are required to be worn while recreating at Chatfield Reservoir.
The CPW said Chatfield offers a free life jacket from the loaner station for any visitor. Because weather conditions can change quickly at the park with sudden, strong wind gusts, visitors are encouraged to check weather forecasts before heading outdoors.
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