What started as a casual ride on a small inflatable raft at Cherry Creek State Park ended in tragedy Tuesday evening, when an Aurora man was pulled from the water and later pronounced dead after the raft overturned at the park’s swim beach in Arapahoe County. Two other adults who had been on the raft made it to shore, while emergency crews recovered the third man and launched a death investigation. Officials temporarily cleared the swim area, asking beachgoers to steer clear while first responders worked.
The emergency call came in around 5 p.m., bringing Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputies, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and park rangers racing to the swim beach, according to Denver7. South Metro Fire Rescue reported that two people were able to reach shore on their own, while crews later recovered an adult man from the reservoir, who was pronounced dead. The sheriff’s office again urged people to avoid the area so responders could do their jobs without interference.
Another deadly summer at the reservoir
This latest incident marks at least the third reported death at Cherry Creek this season. On June 6, Colorado Parks and Wildlife recovered a child from the swim area who was later identified as 7-year-old Ariel Mauricio Banda, according to CBS Colorado. Less than a month later, a paddleboarder died at Cherry Creek on July 3, as reported by The Denver Gazette.
Officials emphasize life jackets
With drownings stacking up across the Front Range, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local fire agencies have been practically begging visitors to wear life jackets. "Life jackets save lives," CPW spokeswoman Kara Van Hoose said at a recent news conference, according to CBS Colorado. The outlet noted that the July 3 paddleboard victim at Cherry Creek was not wearing a personal flotation device.
Investigation and next steps
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office is leading the death investigation, and the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office said it will release the man’s identity after his family has been notified, according to Denver7. No criminal allegations have been announced, and officials say the cause of death will be determined by the coroner.
Park officials have reminded visitors that designated swim areas are not risk-free. Cold water, sudden drop-offs, and submerged obstacles can quickly turn a minor mishap into a full-scale rescue effort. Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about Tuesday’s incident to contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. This story will be updated as agencies release additional details.
