Rangers at Lake Pueblo State Park investigating a boating-related death on July 9 have determined a woman riding a jet ski was ejected into the water and made contact with a nearby boat propeller causing traumatic injuries.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Rangers responded by patrol boat to the scene, performed CPR and took other measures to try to save the woman. But she was later declared dead at the scene.

CPW immediately launched an investigation into the incident, impounded a boat and two jet skis involved and is conducting interviews. The preliminary findings were released Tuesday.

“This appears to be a terrible accident,” said Joe Stadterman, Park Manager at Lake Pueblo. “Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the incident. But it remains under investigation.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of this victim.”

The victim’s body was turned over to the Pueblo County Coroner to determine the exact cause of death, to identify the remains and notify the victim’s relatives.

Meanwhile, CPW continues its investigation into the incident.

This was the sixth water-related death so far this year at Lake Pueblo. There have been five drownings, to date, at Lake Pueblo. 

Statewide, there have been 23 drownings in Colorado in 2022. A record 34 people drowned in Colorado in 2020.