MINERAL COUNTY – According to the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, the body of a 53-year-old man was recovered on July 30 after an apparent drowning incident on July 29 at Shaw Lake near Creede.
The identity of the man is still being determined. He was fishing-paddle boarding when the incident occurred, according to the sheriff’s office. Mineral County Sheriff Terry Wetherill stated that details pertaining to the incident are limited.
"We do know that he didn't have a life preserver and that his paddle board recover leash was not connected to his body," Wetherill stated.
The body was recovered at 5 p.m. on July 30. The recovery effort was conducted by Mineral County Search and Rescue, South Fork Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, who provided a Water Evidence Recovery Craft, and the Rio Grande National Forest.
Law enforcement and first responders urge the public to wear water safety devices no matter the experience level of the individual.
"We don't know for certain, but a lifesaving device may have saved this person's life, and we encourage everyone who recreates on our waters to use life preserves and water safety devices," Wetherill stated.
