A peaceful fishing trip at Lake Pueblo turned tragic over the weekend when a 26-year-old man drowned after accidentally falling into the water.
The man, who has not yet been publicly identified, was fishing with friends near North Picnic Area at Lake Pueblo State Park on Saturday evening when the incident occurred.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the man was fishing from a rocky area around 6:30 p.m. when he lost his balance and fell into the lake. His friends immediately tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful. Emergency crews were quickly called to the scene.
Search and rescue efforts began shortly after the report came in. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and CPW joined together in the search.
Divers and sonar equipment were used to search the area. After hours of searching, officials confirmed that the man’s body was recovered from the water later that night.
Officials said the man was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. While fishing from shore, especially in rocky or uneven areas, CPW recommends people take safety precautions, including wearing life jackets or fishing from more secure spots.
Lake Pueblo is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including boating, camping, and fishing. However, it has also seen several incidents over the years involving accidental drownings. CPW reminds visitors that even experienced swimmers can find themselves in danger, especially in large bodies of water with deep drop-offs or sudden changes in terrain.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that foul play is not suspected and that this appears to be a tragic accident. The man’s family has been notified, and grief support services are being made available.
This heartbreaking incident is a reminder for everyone to stay alert and prepared when enjoying the outdoors, especially around water. Authorities continue to stress the importance of safety gear like life jackets, even when not required by law.