11 hours ago
Fisherman who drowned at Lake Pueblo identified by coroner
A fisherman who drowned at Lake Pueblo on May 30 has been identified.
Derrick Lee Vigil, 28, drowned when his fishing boat capsized at Lake Pueblo on May 30, according to the Pueblo County Coroner's Office.
In a May 31 news release, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said two adults were able to swim to shore after the boat overturned in high winds, but Vigil initially could not be found.
CPW was alerted to a capsized boat in Boggs Creek Cove around 8 p.m. Friday, according to the release.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and Pueblo West Fire Department responded with CPW to search for the missing angler, and multiple boats with sonar capabilities, an underwater robot, a drone to scan shorelines, and thermal cameras were used in the search.
Vigil's body was recovered around 6:30 p.m. on May 31 by CPW's Marine Evidence Recovery Team and Lake Pueblo rangers after a nearly 23-hour search.
CPW noted in its release that none of the three anglers were wearing life jackets when the boat capsized.
'Always wear a life jacket while boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and enjoying water recreation in Colorado. Lake Pueblo offers a free life jacket loaner station for any visitor,' CPW officials said in the release. 'Weather conditions can change quickly at Lake Pueblo with sudden, strong wind gusts, and visitors are encouraged to check weather forecasts before heading outdoors.
'Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victim,' Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joe Stadterman said in the release. 'Any loss of life in our state parks is a terrible day. We thank the responding agencies for their work and park visitors for their patience during the operation.'
The man's drowning marked the second at Lake Pueblo in just over two weeks. On May 14, a man died at the lake's Sailboard Beach after he went into the lake to help his children and their friends after he saw them struggling to swim in rough waters.
Wear a lifejacket.
Put a whistle on your jacket so you can call for help.
Be aware of your surroundings — the water gets deep quickly.
Be aware of the weather, high winds and storms can come up fast.
Check your boat and all required boating safety gear.
Avoid boating alone and tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths.
Know that stand-up paddleboards are considered vessels in Colorado and require a life jacket on board at all times.
Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water immersion and shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
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Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin Reutter at jreutterma@ Follow him on X at @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Lake Pueblo drowning victim identified by coroner
