Body Recovery Efforts Underway at Horsetooth Reservoir
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. – Crews are conducting a recovery operation at Horsetooth ReservoirS Satanka Cove after a paddleboarder reported missing on Sept. 7 is now presumed deceased.
Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) was initially dispatched to the reservoir around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 for a water rescue. The paddleboarder fell from their board, prompting the response. A PFA post on X (formerly Twitter) announced the missing person just before 4:15 p.m.
Multiple agencies, including Larimer County agencies and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, joined the search utilizing crews, drones, boats, and sonar technology. The Larimer county Sheriff’s Office announced just before 7 p.m. on Sept. 7 that the search had transitioned to a recovery effort. The identity of the paddleboarder and the cause and manner of death will be released by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities confirmed the paddleboarder was not wearing a personal flotation device.Colorado law requires paddle craft – canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards – to have a coast guard-approved life jacket readily accessible for each person on board, though it is not mandatory for those over 13 to wear one.
The Sheriff’s Office requested the public stay away from the area during the recovery operation. Access to Horsetooth Reservoir from Lory State Park was temporarily closed during the search and rescue efforts.
Satanka Cove is located on the northern end of Horsetooth Reservoir.