Body of Missing Boater Found in Lake Pueblo After Capsizing

Rescue crews recover victim after hours-long search

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:04pm

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that one person was hospitalized and another killed after a boat capsized on Lake Pueblo on Friday afternoon. The survivor was able to swim to shore, but the other person remained missing until their body was recovered later that evening.

Why it matters

Lake Pueblo is a popular recreation area, but this tragic incident highlights the dangers of boating without proper safety precautions. The death is the first at the lake this year, following six fatalities in 2025.

The details

Officers said the 14-foot flat bottom fishing boat was swamped by whitecaps, causing it to capsize. The water in the area was approximately 40 feet deep and 44 degrees. While the boat was equipped with lifejackets, the occupants were not wearing them. Rescue crews searched for the missing person for almost nine hours before finding their body using an underwater remotely operated vehicle.

  • On Friday afternoon around 12:48 p.m., 911 received a call about the capsized boat.
  • Around 9:23 p.m., rescue crews found the missing person's body.

The players

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing Colorado's parks and wildlife.

Pueblo West Firefighters

The local fire department that examined the survivor at the scene.

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What’s next

The Pueblo County Coroner will determine the official cause of death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of boating safety and the need for all passengers to wear life jackets, even on calm waters. It serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in water recreation and the need for vigilance to prevent future accidents.