Fort Carson soldiers who died at Lake Pueblo ID’d

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Friday afternoon rangers at Lake Pueblo recovered two bodies after the swimmers were reported missing. KRDO learned Saturday that both men were stationed at Fort Carson. In an email Sunday, Fort Carson officially released the identities and photographs of the soldiers.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the deaths of two Soldiers who were assigned to Fort Carson. Spc. Zion T. Thompkins, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Field Hospital, 627th Hospital Center and Pfc. Michael Carter, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Aviation Helicopter Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div," the email reads in part.

The Pueblo County Coroner said Saturday that the men died in unrelated swimming accidents. The coroner didn't specify the cause of death Saturday, but in the release Sunday Fort Carson media officials said both men drowned.

Fort Carson says the leadership of both units is offering support and their sympathies to the many who are affected.