Lake George, CO — Authorities have recovered the bodies of a 33-year-old man and his dog from the waters of Eleven Mile State Park, following a sudden and intense windstorm that struck the area on Friday night, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Park County Coroner’s Office.
Victim Identified as Zachary Gursky
Officials confirmed that Zachary Gursky, 33, was found just before midnight on Friday, August 1, after a rescue effort was launched when reports came in of paddleboarders in distress during inclement weather.
According to the news release, Gursky had been paddleboarding with two others on Eleven Mile Reservoir late Friday evening when high winds and rough conditions rolled in unexpectedly.
Only Victim Not Wearing Life Jacket
Of the three individuals on the water, two were wearing life jackets at the time of the storm. One person was able to swim to shore safely. Another individual, who was tethered to the paddleboard, was also successfully rescued.
However, Gursky was not wearing a life jacket, which authorities believe contributed to the tragic outcome.
“Winds can shift rapidly across Colorado reservoirs, and even experienced paddlers can quickly find themselves in danger if not properly equipped,” said a spokesperson from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The body of Gursky’s dog was recovered nearby, adding to the heartbreak for family and friends.
Investigation Underway
The Park County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Gursky’s cause of death is still under investigation, but authorities emphasized the role that rapid weather changes and lack of a flotation device may have played.
“This incident is a tragic reminder of how quickly outdoor conditions can turn dangerous,” officials said. “Please wear a life jacket at all times when on the water, even if you’re confident in your swimming ability.”
A Stark Warning for Water Safety
Eleven Mile State Park, a popular destination for boating, paddleboarding, and fishing, is known for its open waters and sudden weather shifts. Late-day windstorms are not uncommon in the region, especially during summer months.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has urged all park visitors to monitor forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
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