Reservoir recovery response showcases regional teamwork

By: Trevor Knight, Senior Ranger

On Friday, April 19, Larimer County Rangers responded to a vehicle that had driven into the reservoir just south of the Skyline day use area at Horsetooth Reservoir. First on the scene, the rangers assisted with the Colorado State Patrol investigation and the rescue and recovery efforts for the vehicle. Sadly, the driver had passed away before rangers arrived.

Recovery efforts of the deceased person and the vehicle involved teamwork from multiple agencies including the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Larimer County Natural Resources, Fort Collins Natural Area’s Rangers, Poudre Fire Authority, Colorado State Patrol, Larimer County Coroner's Office, and Larimer County Emergency Services.

The vehicle was completely submerged. Rangers located it using sonar and assisted Larimer County’s dive team in attaching airbags to the vehicle and towing it to the ramp to be removed by a heavy wrecker. Poudre Fire Authority deployed absorbent booms to contain fuel and oil spills from the crash to protect the water quality and containment of the chemicals.