Family remembers victim of Beulah flash flood as ‘fierce friend’

BEULAH, Colo. (KRDO) - The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office says a man was swept away in fast-moving flash-flood waters in Beulah on Sunday.

The Pueblo County Coroner's Office says the victim was 80-year-old Henry "Hank" Humphreys.

KRDO13 spoke to his family, who gave the following statement:

"Hank Humphreys was born in Buffalo New York, Oct 24 1945. He was drafted into the Vietnam War and served in the US Army from 1969 to 1970. He was a brother, a husband, a father, and a fierce friend. His writings, music, and impact on his community will carry his memory on. He lived the lives of a thousand men and was the most generous man in the world. Please honor his memory with joy, giving to others, and never missing a chance to laugh."

The sheriff's office says Humphreys was standing outside near the intersection of Highway 78 and Central Avenue when he was caught up in the strong floodwaters.

Members of the Beulah fire department attempted to rescue him, but he was quickly swept downstream. A flight-for-life helicopter, drones, and more were mobilized to try to find Humphreys. First responders eventually found him two miles downstream from where he was originally standing.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we confirm the tragic loss of life resulting from this afternoon’s
flooding in Beulah,” said Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero. “I want to extend my deepest
condolences to the family and those affected by this tragic loss.”

With more rainfall on the horizon, Sheriff Lucero is urging everyone in or near the "Aspen Acres" fire burn scar area to take precautions to protect themselves and their families.

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