Lake Pueblo park rangers respond to 911 call of CPR in progress at Rock Creek Cove, victim pronounced dead at the scene

Joey Livingston
Statewide Public Information Officer
303-345-4658 / [email protected]

PUEBLO, Colo. – Today at 2:11 P.M., Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) rangers at Lake Pueblo State Park responded to a 911 call of CPR in progress at Rock Creek Cove. Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reports indicate that a group of people were swimming and skiing in Rock Creek Cove when one member, an adult male, jumped into the water because they were hot. The group soon saw the man floating unconscious and with the help of a nearby boater, pulled the man into the boat and began CPR before calling 911. 

CPW rangers arrived within six minutes when one of the rangers jumped into the boat transporting the victim and took over CPR. The boat drove to the North Boat Ramp where CPR continued. A Flight for Life helicopter landed at the park but the victim was already deceased.

The Pueblo County Coroner is investigating the official cause of death. The victim was not wearing a life jacket.  

“This death is under investigation, but it appears to be a tragic accident,” said Lake Pueblo Park Manager Joe Stadterman. “We offer our condolences to the family and friends of this victim.”

Stadterman said the death is especially troubling given all the efforts by his team to raise awareness of water safety with park guests.

“This is yet another heartbreaking loss of life,” he said. “It underscores the message we have been stressing to recreate responsibly and to wear life preservers when on or near the water.

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