Lake Pueblo claims sixth life since Memorial Day as woman dies while swimming

LAKE Pueblo has claimed a sixth life since Memorial Day after a woman died while visiting popular water hole.

Rosalia Niz Niz, 22, of Colorado Springs, was killed as a result of a "swimming accident", according to Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter.

Using its sonar, camera and lights, first responders used an underwater drone to recover the body 17ft under water at the Colorado swimming spot.

Emergency crews had been alerted to a person missing from the shore in the area of North Sailboard on Thursday afternoon.

Park Manager Joe Stadterman said and his team reached the site at around 4:37 pm - just six minutes after receiving the call.

The body was located about 10 minutes after the drone was deployed in the water, reports.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is yet to learn the cause of death from the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office.

Stadterman said: “This death is under investigation, but it appears to be a tragic accident.

"We offer our condolences to the family and friends of this victim.”

Rosalia's next of kin has been informed.

The death could mark the 23rd drowning in Colorado this year - and is the sixth since May 29.

CPW said the record number of drownings was in 2020 with 34.

Married couple Joshua and Jessica Prindle drowned at the lake on Memorial Day after the boat they were on with 11 other people flipped due to high winds.

Sixteen-year-old David Marez's body was recovered from the lake following an apparent drowning on June 6.

The following day, Eric May, 34, jumped into the water from an inflatable.

Onlookers claimed he thought his daughter was in distress.

His body was later found in 25ft of water.

Stadterman said great efforts are being made to raise awareness about water safety.

He said: “This is yet another heartbreaking loss of life.

“It underscores the message we have been stressing to recreate responsibly and to wear life preservers when on or near the water.”

A to raise money for Rosalia's funeral.