(PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) — A young person died at Lake Pueblo State Park on Tuesday, Aug. 12, after going into the water without a life jacket, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

CPW said officers responded just before noon on Tuesday to a report of a possible drowning at Lake Pueblo. A CPW boat crew and a Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office diver responded and pulled a male victim “in his late teens” from the water. CPR was conducted as crews raced to emergency medical staff onshore at N-1 Cove Beach, but the victim was pronounced deceased just before 1 p.m.

CPW said witnesses reported a man without a life jacket went under 23 feet of water just before noon, about 65 yards from shore in the east end of the lake near the dam. Water temperatures at the time were in the mid-70s, CPW said.

“CPW offers condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and everyone involved in the incident,” said Joe Stadterman, Park Manager at Lake Pueblo State Park.

The victim has been turned over to the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office for identification and an official determination of the cause of death.

“Throughout the water recreation and boating season, CPW encourages all park visitors participating in water recreation activities to always wear a life jacket,” CPW said. “A life jacket will keep your airway clear of water and your head above water and support your body should you stop swimming or become unconscious.”

This is the sixth water-related death at Lake Pueblo State Park in 2025.