CPW recovers missing angler from fatal Lake Pueblo boating accident
Kara Van Hoose
May 31, 2025
CPW recovers missing angler from fatal Lake Pueblo boating accident
PUEBLO, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a fatal boating accident at Lake Pueblo State Park after a boat with three anglers overturned in high winds Friday evening. Two adults were able to swim to shore. One adult victim was recovered by the CPW Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) and Lake Pueblo rangers following an almost 23-hour search.
A capsized boat in Bogg’s Creek Cove was reported to CPW around 8 p.m. Friday. CPW Rangers, MERT, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and Pueblo West Fire Department responded to search the water for the missing angler. Multiple boats with sonar capabilities, an underwater robot, a drone to scan shorelines and thermal cameras were used during the search efforts. The victim was recovered around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victim,” said Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joe Stadterman. “Any loss of life in our state parks is a terrible day. We thank the responding agencies for their work and park visitors for their patience during the operation.”
No one on the boat was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.
The Pueblo County Coroner will release the identity of the victim.
Always wear a life jacket while boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and enjoying water recreation in Colorado. Lake Pueblo offers a free life jacket loaner station for any visitor. Weather conditions can change quickly at Lake Pueblo with sudden, strong wind gusts, and visitors are encouraged to check weather forecasts before heading outdoors.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
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