An 18-year-old man died Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Lake Pueblo State Park after going into the water without a life jacket, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Officers responded just before noon to reports of a possible drowning. A CPW boat crew and a Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office diver recovered the young man from the water. Crews performed CPR while rushing him to emergency medical staff onshore at N-1 Cove Beach, but he was pronounced dead shortly before 1 p.m.
Witnesses said the man, who was not wearing a life jacket, went under about 23 feet of water roughly 65 yards from shore in the lake’s east end near the dam. Water temperatures were in the mid-70s at the time.
“CPW offers condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and everyone involved in the incident,” said Joe Stadterman, Park Manager at Lake Pueblo State Park.
The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s identity and determine the official cause of death.
CPW urged visitors to always wear a life jacket while participating in water activities, noting it keeps the airway clear, the head above water, and provides critical support if a swimmer stops moving or loses consciousness.
This marks the sixth water-related death at Lake Pueblo State Park in 2025.
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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