A Rhode Island man was killed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend after falling during a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
National Park officials announced the death of a 25-year-old man from Providence who was killed after slipping at West Creek Falls on Sunday, July 2, according to a press release. The unnamed victim reportedly fell while visiting the area and was pulled underwater, marking the park’s first fatality of the year, Rocky Mountain National Park spokesman Kyle Patterson told the Coloradoan. (RELATED: Mother Of Two Falls To Her Death While Attempting To Save Teen On Hike)
A 25-year-old Rhode Island man died after falling and being pulled underwater at a waterfall in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday https://t.co/6Ds71p53u2
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) July 5, 2023
Officials managed to recover the victim’s body Sunday evening, which was then flown by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitak to a helispot in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of the park, the press release stated. From there, officials transferred his body to the Larimer County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office where a cause of death will be determined, the release continued.
“Mountain rivers, streams, and waterfalls are running very cold and very fast this time of year. The depth and current of all waterways can be deceivingly deep and swift,” park officials warned in the press release.
“Park visitors are reminded to keep back from the banks of streams, rivers and waterfalls. Rocks and vegetation near water sources are often very slippery. Powerful currents can quickly pull a person underwater. Always provide proper supervision for children, who by nature, tend to be attracted to water,” the statement concluded.
The victim’s name will be released after next of kin are notified.