Investigation underway after 20-year-old Texas man drowns in Durango lake—
DURANGO, Colo. (KKTV) – An investigation is underway after a 20-year-old Texas man drowned in a Durango lake on Friday.
The Durango Police Department said officers responded to a drowning report at Lake Nighthorse on Friday, just after 3:30 p.m.
According to preliminary investigation from the police department, the victim and three friends were swimming in the lake for about 30 to 40 minutes when the victim became fatigued and could not make it back to the shore.
Upon arrival, police said they began coordinated rescue efforts and used a citizen’s boat to search the area where he was last seen.
Rescuers then coordinated search efforts before entering the water. According to police, entering the water too early before narrowing down the search area would have jeopardized the safety of rescuers and the likelihood of finding and rescuing the victim.
The water was recorded at about 57 degrees.
During the search, DPD said an officer and a citizen jumped in the water, finding the victim underneath the surface. He was pulled onto a board by 3:46 p.m.
Responders performed CPR as he was brought back to the shore, where Durango Fire & Rescue crews took over lifesaving efforts before transporting him to a hospital.
He was pronounced dead, despite lifesaving efforts.
The victim was identified as 20-year-old Eric Granados-Barcenas of Dallas, Texas.
The drowning is under investigation. At this time, police said they do not believe intoxication contributed to the incident.
