Colorado Springs man who drowned Saturday at Pueblo Lake identified

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

A swimmer who drowned Saturday night at Lake Pueblo State Park was identified Tuesday as a 40-year-old man from Colorado Springs.

According to the Pueblo County Coroner's Office, Juan Jiménez “drowned following a swimming accident” at the lake. An autopsy was performed and Jimenez's next of kin were informed.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers received a call for help around 8:15 p.m. Saturday in which a swimmer was reported missing off the north shore of the lake, according to a CPW news release.

Park rangers launched a search using sonar and a remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with lights and a camera.

Volunteer divers from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office were called to assist in the search, diving off the Sailboard Beach area west of Pueblo Dam, where witnesses reported the swimmer had disappeared.

Around 11 p.m., rescue personnel located Jimenez's body approximately 75 feet from shore in water approximately 6 feet deep.

“We hate to see a life lost so tragically,” Lake Pueblo State Park Superintendent Joe Stadterman said in the release. “This is another sad example of the importance of wearing life jackets when you are in or even near water.”

According to CPW, Jimenez's death was the 19th water-related death in Colorado in 2024. There have been 32 water-related recreation deaths in Colorado in 2023 after the state set a record such deaths in 2022 with 42.

How to Stay Safe on Colorado Lakes This Summer

Before going on the water in a Colorado state park, CPW advises you to follow posted rules and wear basic safety equipment.

Here are some other tips from CPW for enjoying water responsibly:

Wear your life jacket.
Put a whistle on your jacket so you can call for help.
Be aware of your surroundings: the water gets deep quickly.
Be aware of the weather, high winds and storms can occur quickly.
Check your boat and all required boating safety equipment.
Avoid sailing alone and tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Simple boat. Alcohol consumption is the leading contributing factor to boating-related deaths.
Be aware that stand-up paddleboards are considered vessels in Colorado and require a life jacket on board at all times.
Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water immersion and shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.

For more information about water safety at Lake Pueblo State Park, visit cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/LakePueblo.

Learn more about Pueblo Lake water safety: As peak season approaches at Pueblo Lake, CPW highlights importance of water safety

Chieftain Editor-in-Chief Zach Hillstrom can be reached at [email protected] or on X at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news, subscribe to Pueblo Chieftain at Subscribe.chieftain.com.

How to Stay Safe on Colorado Lakes This Summer

Lina Portman

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