A Buena Vista teen died after his canoe capsized Saturday on Clear Creek Reservoir near Granite.
He was hunting ducks with another teen companion from Buena Vista when the canoe overturned due to strong winds late Saturday afternoon. Water was estimated at 30 to 50 feet deep. While one boy was rescued, the other was not immediately found.
The father of one of the boys swam to the canoe and was able to grab one of them. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers Kevin Madler and Zach Baker arrived and entered the water to save both the man and the boy, according to a CPW release.
The other teen was still missing as night set in on Saturday, and eventually searchers recovered the body on Monday, Nov. 16.
“We offer our condolences to the family of this young man,” said Jim Aragon, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. “We hate seeing a life lost so tragically. This was a terrible accident.”
A specialized Marine Evidence Recovery Team with CPW arrived from Littleton, along with River Rangers from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and CPW searchers from Lake Pueblo State Park.
Using a rescue boat, jet skis, and an underwater drone, they combed the area until 12:30 p.m. Monday, when the body was located.
Lisa Yates, Superintendent of the Buena Vista School District, said Monday that Solvista mental health was partnering with schools to help with grieving students and staff as they grappled with “such profound loss and questions.”
The Buena Vista community rallied to provide food and emotional support to the families and search crews.
Featured Image: Rescue crews combed Clear Creek Reservoir to locate the boy lost in Saturday afternoon’s boating accident. Chaffee County Search & Rescue/Facebook
Recent Comments