Pueblo, Colorado — An off-duty police officer was found dead at Lake Pueblo State Park hours after authorities launched a search when he disappeared following a reported wakeboarding accident.
The Pueblo Police Department identified the victim as Cpl. Stephen Biggs, who had served with the department since 2010. Authorities said Biggs was involved in a wakeboarding accident on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the state park in Pueblo County.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers began searching for the missing person after receiving a report at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time.
Search Began After Single Boat Incident
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said officers were searching for a missing person in the Peck Creek and west-central area of Lake Pueblo State Park following what authorities described as a single boat incident.
The search continued into the overnight hours as crews worked to locate Biggs in the lake. Authorities eventually brought in specialized equipment to assist with the underwater search.
Body Found in 48 Feet of Water
Early Monday morning, CPW’s marine evidence recovery team located the missing person at approximately 2 a.m. Investigators used towable side-scan sonar to search the lake’s main channel. The missing person was located just east of Peck Creek Cove, approximately 48 feet underwater.
The recovery team then used a remotely operated vehicle to assist with retrieving the body. According to CPW, the victim was recovered approximately 45 minutes after being located.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a fatal boat accident. The victim’s body was turned over to the office of the medical examiner, which will determine the official cause and manner of death.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish exactly what happened before the accident.
Park Manager Offers Condolences
Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joseph Stadterman expressed condolences to the victim’s loved ones and thanked the agencies that participated in the overnight recovery operation.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual who died in this tragic incident,” Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joseph Stadterman said in CPW’s announcement. “We are grateful to our partner agencies and everyone who worked through the night during this difficult recovery.”
Multiple agencies assisted with the search and recovery effort as crews worked through the night to locate Biggs.
Stephen Biggs Served Pueblo Police for 16 Years
Biggs had been a member of the Pueblo Police Department since 2010 and held several important roles during his career. The department said he served as a patrol training officer and was also a member of its S.W.A.T. team.
During his time with the department, Biggs received significant recognition for his service. Pueblo Police said he was the recipient of 10 letters of commendation, three Medal of Valor awards and the Distinguished Service award.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief within the department, where colleagues remembered him for his dedication and service.
Police Chief Remembers Fallen Officer
Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller described Biggs’ death as a deeply personal loss for the department.
“Working with Stephen was an honor, and his loss is deeply personal,” Chief of Pueblo Police Department Chris Noeller said in the news release. “His courage, dedication, and commitment to his fellow officers meant so much to our department. I was proud to serve with him, and I will miss him. My heart is with his family, his friends, and everyone in our department who is grieving his loss.”
The department also thanked Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the other agencies that assisted with the difficult recovery. As a final tribute, Pueblo Police said Biggs’ patrol car will be parked at department headquarters as a sign of respect.
The medical examiner’s findings will help determine the official circumstances surrounding the fatal incident as the investigation continues.
What are your thoughts on this tragic loss? Share your condolences for Cpl. Stephen Biggs and his family in the comments.
