2 people who died at Lake Pueblo were Fort Carson personnel, says coroner
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- UPDATE: The Pueblo County Coroner has determined that the two victims recovered from Lake Pueblo Friday were military personnel stationed at Fort Carson.
The coroner identified the victims as 21-year-old Zion Thomkins of Philadelphia and 21-year-old Michael Carter. Both were military members stationed at Fort Carson.
The coroner said both men died in swimming accidents, but said the incidents were unrelated and did not elaborate further.
Check back here for updates.
Previous coverage:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed at two bodies were found in Lake Pueblo just off of Sailboard Road beach after rangers were called for a report of missing boaters.
The first body was found at about 4:15 p.m. Friday using sonar, according to CPW, and the second was found shortly after that using an underwater drone. The victims haven't been identified, and their exact causes of death aren't known yet.
BREAKING NEWS: At 4:15 p.m. @COParksWildlife rangers at @LakePuebloSP using sonar located what appeared to be a body in water off Sailboard Road beach. Divers with @PuebloCountySO recovered and turned over to Pueblo County Coroner for determining cause of death and identity. 1/2
— CPW SE Region (@CPW_SE) June 12, 2020
We'll update this article with more information when available.
Earlier
Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers are doing search and rescue operations to find two missing boaters at Lake Pueblo State Park.
CPW of the Southeast Region tweeted Friday afternoon that the operations are taking place off Sailboard Road on the north side of the lake. The Sailboard Road area is a popular beach area for jetskiing and standup paddleboarding, according to the agency.
NEWS ALERT: @COParksWildlife rangers at @LakePuebloSP are conducting search and rescue operations off Sailboard Road on the north side of the lake just west of the dam for two missing boaters. Rangers responded to calls of possible drowning victims off the beach. (1 of 3) pic.twitter.com/R5ZoVhsb4j
— CPW SE Region (@CPW_SE) June 12, 2020
Rangers say they responded to calls of two people reported missing and having possibly drowned.
People are asked to avoid the area during emergency operations to allow access for first responders.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.
