The body of a 26-year-old kayaker from Aurora was recovered at Cherry Creek Reservoir after his inflatable boat capsized and disappeared into the water Sunday.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Maritime Evidence Retrieval Team launched a boat with sounding technology, lights and a video camera that located the victim about 15 feet underwater four hours later.
CPW rangers said reports of an overturned inflatable kayak came in around noon. Witnesses said a man not wearing a life jacket was in trouble.
The South Metro Fire Rescue and CPW dive teams launched a rescue search. After about an hour, CPW stated that he had recovered.
Witnesses told authorities they saw a dog also in the kayak with the man, but a dog’s body was never located or recovered.
“When you’re in the water it’s fun, but you have to remember that personal flotation devices are a must,” said Kim Spuhler of SMFR. This is the first drowning death in a Colorado state park so far this year.
Authorities have not yet publicly released the victim’s name, but believe he was alone in the park.