News Release

Two Fatalities at Curecanti National Recreation Area

Date: June 25, 2019
Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, 970-641-2337, x227

On Friday, June 21 Curecanti National Recreation Area rangers responded to two separate water-related accidents. 

In the late morning, rangers responded to a request for assistance on the Gunnison River at the east end of Curecanti for a 31 year-old paddle boarder who had lost control of her board and later got hung up on a tree that was in the water. National Park Service rangers, Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the Swift Water Rescue team, Gunnison Fire, and EMS quickly responded to the incident location and recovered the victim. She was then taken to Gunnison Valley Hospital and later flown to Grand Junction. The victim did not survive despite these efforts. This incident continues to be investigated. 

Later that afternoon, National Park Service rangers located a victim of an apparent kayaking accident. The occupant of the kayak was removed from the water and CPR was performed, but was unsuccessful. The 65-year-old female kayaker had apparently been kayaking on the east end of Blue Mesa Reservoir earlier in the morning and failed to return to her campsite. She was then reported missing. This incident also continues to be under investigation. 

The Gunnison River between Riverway and Beaver Creek is closed to Stand Up Paddle Boards, inner tubes, and other low-profile water toys that have limited maneuverability. This closure is a subsequent remedial measure in response to recent incidents. 

All river users should exercise extreme caution, watch for debris in the water, and be prepared for other high-water related changes in the river. Reservoir users are reminded to be prepared for cold water and high winds.