David Sanchez, 18, a Central High School graduate and standout wrestler, died in an apparent drowning at Lake Pueblo on Aug. 12, officials with Pueblo School District 60 confirmed.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers responded just before noon to reports of a possible drowning. Witnesses said a man without a life jacket went under in 23 feet of water about 65 yards from shore near the dam’s east end. CPW rangers arrived onshore within two minutes, and two boat crews began sonar grid searches within 15 minutes.
A CPW crew, along with a Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office diver, pulled Sanchez from the water and performed CPR while racing to medics at N-1 Cove Beach. He was pronounced dead at 1 p.m.
Sanchez had an impressive wrestling career with 125 wins, three state qualifications, and two runner-up finishes. He was preparing to wrestle at Otero College in La Junta this fall.
The Pueblo Central Wrestling Facebook page shared condolences, remembering Sanchez as “a brother to all the wrestlers” who brought “excitement” to every match. “When others counted you out, you would show them why they shouldn’t… You will truly be missed but never forgotten. We love you Dave … rest easy.”
If confirmed as a drowning, Sanchez’s death will be the fifth at Lake Pueblo this summer. Previous incidents include drownings on May 14, May 30, June 7, and June 20, along with a fatal boating accident on July 19. CPW extended condolences to Sanchez’s family, friends, and all affected by the tragedy.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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