Woman found unresponsive in Chatfield Reservoir dies

A woman who was found unresponsive in Chatfield Reservoir southwest of Denver has died.

The Denver Post reports 45-year-old Hope Cassel, who died Sunday night, was paddle boarding with her three sons – ages 14, 13 and 11 – and an 11-year-old friend of the boys when a storm moved through Friday afternoon.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigators say heavy wind, rain, lightning, thunder and hail moved in quickly, causing large waves. The four boys, all wearing life vests, made it back to shore, but Cassel did not.

The Parker woman was wearing a life ring that could be activated by pulling a cord, but when she was found, it had not been inflated.

Cassel was certified in obstetrics and gynecology and had a practice in Parker.

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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com