A man was found dead Monday inside a vehicle that had gone underwater near Fort Lupton, turning a quiet stretch of Weld County into the scene of an active investigation. Fire crews with the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District pulled the vehicle from a body of water near the intersection of Highway 82 and County Road 22, just outside the city. Authorities have not released the victim’s name and have not explained how the vehicle ended up submerged.
Fort Lupton police have released very limited information and have not said whether they suspect foul play, according to Denver7. Reporters have submitted questions to the department, and the Weld County Coroner’s Office is expected to make the official identification. Denver7 reported that the outlet plans to update its coverage as investigators continue to process the scene.
Nearby Quarry Tied To Earlier Case
The only notable body of water near that intersection is a gravel quarry, and a 2024 report by The Denver Post says the body of 19-year-old Leslie Elizama Vicente Vicente was recovered from a quarry pond in that same area. Authorities have not said whether Monday’s recovery involved that particular quarry, and investigators have declined to publicly identify the precise location while their work continues.
Investigation And Next Steps
The Fort Lupton Police Department is leading the investigation with support from local dive and recovery teams. The Weld County Coroner’s Office will be responsible for identifying the man and notifying his next of kin. The Weld County Coroner’s Office site provides contact information and outlines coroner procedures. According to Denver7, police have released a few additional details, and the case remains open.
