Body found underwater at Steamboat Lake State Park

Park rangers at Steamboat Lake State Park in northern Colorado unveiled a body in the water on Saturday according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Rangers uncovered the body under what they called a bellyboat a small inflatable tube often used for fishing according to a news release from the agency The person was secured to the inflatable with a safety strap The victim was removed from the water and declared dead on scene state representatives reported Rangers believe the person drowned but mentioned the Routt County Coroner s Office will identify the victim and release the official cause of death at a later date Bystanders explained investigators that the victim was fishing Saturday near the Rainbow Ridge area on the west side of the park when strong wind gusts were revealed in the area according to the release State authorities explained the victim was not wearing a life jacket The matter the previous day is tragic and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victim s family and friends David Goff a park ranger at Steamboat Lake State Park stated in the release We continue to urge everyone to pay close attention to weather conditions and to wear a PFD while recreating on the water Spring and early summer water recreation can be dangerous due to frigid water temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions While the weather is warming up the water remains very cold and a person entering the cold water can briskly experience shock lose the ability to swim and pitfall hypothermia state authorities noted State executives also warned people in the release to wear a personal flotation device while boating kayaking and paddle boarding or during other water recreation programs in Colorado even when it s not required According to state statistics of past boating accident deaths could have been prevented if a life jacket had been worn and nine out of people who drown each year are not wearing life jackets Related Articles Colorado police shot someone every days in material shows displaced after apartment fire in Aurora Thornton police seek suspect after alleged road-rage shooting shooters shots Man sentenced to years in prison in deadly Five Points shootout Trump Department of Justice sues Colorado Denver personnel over immigration laws Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day