AURORA, Colo. — The body of a missing kayaker was recovered from the Cherry Creek Reservoir Sunday evening.
Crews were searching for the missing kayaker since noon after eyewitnesses reported a man in the water, not wearing a life jacket, near an inflatable kayak. He was in obvious distress, eyewitnesses said.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said a strong storm created gusty winds and choppy water and may have caused the kayak to capsize.
Around 1 p.m., South Metro Fire Rescue reported crews were unable to locate the missing man. The operation mode changed over from rescue to recovery, crews said.
The recovered individual is believed to be a 26-year-old resident of Aurora. The person's dog is also missing, but it's unclear if the animal was located.
Crews from South Metro Fire Rescue and CPW were assisting in the search. Recovery efforts were handled by CPW.
CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team of four members joined in the search, deploying its vessel that uses an underwater drone equipped with sonar, lights and a video camera.
Water temperatures were in the low 50s on Sunday, according to CPW. Crews are searching the east side of the park in water depths ranging from 9-16 feet.
