Boulder man dies while paddle boarding in Buena Vista

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office says a man who was paddle boarding in Buena Vista fell into the water and was killed when he was swept downstream.

It happened at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday when 40-year-old Michael Robert James of Boulder fell into the water at Buena Vista River Park. Nearby boaters tried to rescue James, but he was swept downstream due to high, fast-moving water.

Another boater found James in Johnson Village and tried to rescue him, but the swift water carried his body away.

Responders caught up with James’ body at the River Runners Center and pulled him out of the water, but he was deceased, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.

At least five other people have died in Colorado rivers this year.

Editor’s note: The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office first stated James was paddle boating in Buena Vista. This article has been updated to reflect that James was paddle boarding.