Grand County Water Rescue Recovery

Photos Courtesy of the Grand County Sheriff’s Office

On December 3rd, 2023 at approximately 06:45 Grand County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a male subject in the water on Lake Granby in the area of Deer Island. Grand County Sheriff’s Office along with Grand County EMS, Grand Lake Fire Protection District, Grand Fire Protection District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and staff from the Beacon Landing Marina, responded to the area to attempt to locate this subject. While responding to the area, responders experienced massive snow fall, blowing and drifting conditions and zero or near-zero visibility. Responders utilized the assistance of Grand County Road and Bridge plows to further access the area. Emergency personnel arrived and contacted the reporting party who advised that he and his friend had spent the night on Deer Island and were attempting to return to their vehicle on the shore. As they attempted to kayak across the open water, the wind caused his friend’s kayak to capsize, and he fell into the lake. The reporting party was unable to save his friend before he went underwater but was able to get himself back to shore. Responders were able to search the area with the assistance of Colorado Parks and Wildlife and a boat from Beacon Landing Marina, however the heavy winds and choppy water that initially affected the victim, also made it difficult for rescuers. Due to the weather experienced on the 3rd, search operations were suspended at approximately 14:00. Additional search resources, including the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) will be arriving on December 4, 2023 with additional specialized equipment to assist. Additional information provided by the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.

Units on Scene:

Grand: Chief 301 & Rescue 345

Grand Lake: Chief 351 & Chief 353

Photos Courtesy of the Grand County Sheriff’s Office

Photos Courtesy of the Grand County Sheriff’s Office

Photos Courtesy of the Grand County Sheriff’s Office