Pueblo coroner identifies man who died in June 7 swimming accident at Lake Pueblo

Yahoo

20-06-2025

The third apparent drowning at Lake Pueblo in less than a month was identified June 10 by the Pueblo County Coroner's Office as a 44-year-old Centennial man.
Daniel Duane Strawn was found at Rock Creek Cove floating unconscious on the afternoon of June 7. He was pronounced dead on the scene despite life-saving efforts.
CPW rangers responded at 2:11 p.m. to a report of an unconscious man, later identified as Strawn, who allegedly jumped into Rock Creek Cove because "they were hot," according to witnesses.
Nearby witnesses who were swimming and water skiing soon saw Strawn floating unconscious, and with the help of a nearby boater, pulled him into a boat and began CPR before calling 911.
CPW rangers arrived within six minutes, and one of the rangers jumped into the boat, taking over CPR on the victim. The boat drove to the North Boat Ramp, where CPR continued. A Flight for Life helicopter landed at the park, but Strawn was already dead.
'This death is under investigation, but it appears to be a tragic accident,' Lake Pueblo Park Manager Joe Stadterman said in a news release. 'We offer our condolences to the family and friends of this victim.'
Stadterman said in the release that the death is especially troubling given all the recent efforts by CPW to raise awareness of water safety with park guests.
CPW officers installed two life-jacket loaner stations at Lake Pueblo State Park where lake users can borrow a life jacket for free. The stations are located at the South Fishing and Sailboard areas.
'This is yet another heartbreaking loss of life,' Stadterman said. 'It underscores the message we have been stressing to recreate responsibly and to wear life preservers when on or near the water."
Strawn's death is the third apparent drowning at Lake Pueblo since mid-May: Derrick Lee Vigil, 28, drowned when his fishing boat capsized at Lake Pueblo on May 30; on May 14, Manuel DeJesus Villanueva Miranda, 53, died after he went into the lake to help his two children and their friends as they struggled to swim in rough waters.
None of the victims were wearing life jackets at the time of their apparent drownings, according to CPW.
Wear a life jacket.
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.
More on Lake Pueblo water safety: Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges water safety at Lake Pueblo this summer
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at [e-mail]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Man who drowned at Lake Pueblo on June 7 identified by coroner