The main contributing factor to this fatality was an improperly used paddleboard leash. She had it around her ankle, and it was intended for ponds/lakes, she did not have a quick release. Her lifejacket came off since the leash was hung up on the other side of debris and the force of the river kept her down.
Teen girl dead after falling in river
Search and rescue crews responding to the scene.
By Adam Woodbrey, KKCO11News.com
Published: Jun. 4, 2024
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - A 17-year-old girl is dead after falling into the Colorado over the weekend.
The Mesa County Coroner confirming the girl was paddle boarding near C 1/2 Road between 32 and 32 1/2 Roads. The coroner further stated the girl fell into the water. She was wearing a life jacket, though it appeared the vest was not strapped on appropriately and as such it fell off during the incident.
A man in a passing boat saw the girl fall in and be dragged under the water for around ten minutes. Once she resurfaced, he pulled her out of the water. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded and took the girl to the shore at the Corn Lake Boat Ramp. She was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital.
The Mesa County Coroner has finished the autopsy and determined the cause of death is drowning. As the girl is a minor, her identity has not been released.
