Colorado Parks and Wildlife recovered the body of a missing boater at Spinney Mountain State Park Monday afternoon. The adult boater was recovered by the CPW Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) with assistance from the Park County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Springs Fire Department Heavy Rescue-Dive Team, Hartsel Fire, and the South Park Ambulance District. Difficult weather conditions, strong winds and dense vegetation made the three-day search challenging for the agencies involved. 

Park rangers responded to an overturned canoe with two people in the reservoir shortly before noon Saturday. One person was rescued by a nearby boat. While life jackets were found in the boat, it does not appear the victim was wearing a life jacket. 

The Park County Coroner will release the boater’s identity. Spinney Mountain will resume normal operations Tuesday. 

Spring and early summer water recreation can be dangerous due to frigid water temperatures. Always wear a life jacket while boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and enjoying water recreation in Colorado. Spinney Reservoir can experience sudden wind gusts and frigid temperatures year-round, so be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting the area.