News Flash

August 23, 2016

Incident: Drowning/Colorado River

Location: Big Bend Campground 7 miles upstream from Moab, Utah

Time: 18:00/6:00 p.m.

Victim: 21 year old male from California

On August 22, 2016 at approximately 6:00 p.m. Grand County Dispatch was advised of a possible drowning in the above location. A 21 year old male had been swimming in the area of Big Bend. Subject was not wearing a life jacket and had just swam through an area of white water and was in calmer water when he went underwater. He was estimated to have been approximately 20 feet from the bank.
Grand County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area along with Grand County Search and Rescue. Classic Lifeguard Helicopter flew the area as well as a Grand County Sheriff’s Office Drone. Lights and spotters were set up on the river to monitor the river overnight. The subject had not been located as of 8:30 a.m. on this date(August 23, 2016).
The search will continue today with Grand County Search and Rescue and Park Service boats in the river.
Water temperature at time of this incident was 74°F