2 KAYAKERS CAPSIZE, 1 SURVIVES

MARCH 30, 2024 - CHATFIELD RESERVOIR, CO

As the sun was setting on Chatfield State Park, first responders were alerted to a water rescue at the reservoir after two kayakers capsized and were in distress.

Dive rescue teams from multiple agencies responded and found one patient that had swam to shore in 38 degree water. Searches for the second individual were conducted on the water and on shore along with the park rangers. Upon arrival of multiple specialty units additional searches were conducted with sonar, aerial and underwater drones, as well as the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Marine Evidence Recovery Team.

After the first patient was transported to UC Health Highlands Ranch, the patient shared that he witnessed the second patient go under the water after attempting to save them for approximately twenty minutes. With that information the command post transitioned the operations from a rescue to a recovery mission. Colorado Parks and Wildlife was able to locate and recover the missing person from the lake overnight.