Missing kayaker found dead at Colorado Reservoir in Larimer County, he was not wearing a life jacket

A man who had been kayaking the previous day was found dead Wednesday at Lon Hagler Reservoir in Larimer County. Colorado Parks & Wildlife reported that the kayaker was likely not wearing a life jacket.

According to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, the victim’s family reported him missing when he did not return home as planned after his trip to the reservoir southwest of Loveland.

Emergency services arrived at the reservoir on Tuesday and continued the search the next day. It was a major multi-agency operation that included marine units and drones.

On Wednesday evening, the LCSO confirmed that the missing man’s body had been recovered earlier that evening. CPW confirmed that a marine unit recovered the body and that the victim was not wearing a life jacket.

CPW said in its press release: “Always wear a life jacket when kayaking, paddling, or participating in other water sports in the state. Be sure to check the weather forecast for state parks and preserves before heading there.”

The north parking lot at the reservoir was closed during the search operation and was subsequently reopened.

According to CPW (as of June 26), the state is approaching 20 deaths in water sports activities by 2024.