Boulder County, Colo. - The Boulder County Communications Center received a 911 call shortly before 5:30 p.m. last evening, June 2, reporting that a four-year-old child had been swept downstream in South St. Vrain Creek, west of the Town of Lyons.

Due to limited cellular service in the area, family members had to flag down a passing motorist to receive a ride to an area with cell phone service, which did cause a delay in contacting 911 after the child was in the water.

The child and his family were camping nearby when the incident occurred. An extensive search and rescue operation was immediately launched, involving multiple crews searching along the creek. First responders, including swift water rescue teams, searched on foot, in vehicles, and with the assistance of drone technology.

At approximately 7:07 p.m., first responders located the child downstream from where he was reported missing. After mapping the distance, it was approximately 1.5 miles from where we believe he entered the water. The child was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and unfortunately was later pronounced deceased.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the numerous agencies that responded: Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Lyons Fire Protection District, Boulder Emergency Squad, Hygiene Fire Protection District, Lefthand Fire Protection District, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, Colorado State Patrol, and the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.

This incident remains under investigation.

The Boulder County Coroner’s Office is conducting an independent investigation to determine the cause and manner of death. The decedent’s name will be released following positive identification and notification of next of kin.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case number is 26-02543.

###

/s/ Carrie Haverfield, Sr. Communications Specialist

First responders along S. St. Vrain Creek