A tragic event unfolded at Rampart Reservoir this past weekend when a paddleboarder disappeared after an incident on the water late Saturday afternoon. Colorado Parks and Wildlife's (CPW) Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) was dispatched to the scene, where they later recovered a body in the early hours of Sunday.
After receiving reports of a man falling into the water, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) first took action, initiating an immediate search before handing the reins to CPW's seasoned team, according to details released by CPW on their official website. MERT officers, led by Grant Brown, CPW’s boating safety program manager, and CPW Rangers from various locations commenced a grid search using sophisticated sonar equipment to locate the victim. During the search, a dog, which had been with the paddler, was reported to have swum ashore.
The reservoir, located within Pike National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is a 500-acre body of water frequented by outdoor enthusiasts. Last night’s operation saw the CPW team working into the small hours, eventually locating the victim in 67 feet of water. A remote-operated vehicle (ROV) was then deployed as part of the recovery effort, Brown noted.
"This is a tragedy and we offer our condolences to the family and friends of the victim," Brown said. “We’ve experienced far too many water deaths in Colorado. We urge everyone on or near the water to please wear a life jacket.” The El Paso County Coroner’s Office subsequently took custody of the remains and will be responsible for the formal identification process as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
In 2024 alone, Colorado has been faced with over 30 recreational drowning incidents, a sobering statistic that CPW aims to address through heightened safety measures and public education. CPW, an enterprise agency, is known for its conservation efforts and for promoting safety across its managed territories including state parks and wildlife areas that span roughly 900,000 acres and contribute significantly to Colorado's economic impact.
