GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning for high river flow dangers after a man died in the Colorado River this weekend.

On Saturday, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Glenwood Fire EMTs and Garfield County Coroner Rob Glassmire responded to reports of a death in the Colorado River between the Shoshone power plant and Grizzly Creek. A 34-year-old man who was reportedly wearing a personal flotation device and a helmet was pronounced dead on the scene. The man was rafting in a group of five people in two rafts.

According to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, two people went into the river while navigating a rapid. Other group members managed to bring the two men to shore, but only one responded to CPR.

Water levels are predicted to come up even more in the next couple of weeks and stay at a high level for over a month. River safety should be our biggest concern right now. Navigating the river is tricky under normal conditions and when you add 3-4 times the amount of water and speed, things can happen really fast.

Chris Bornholdt, Garfield County Emergency Manager
Photos courtesy of the Garfield County Sherriff’s Office

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is urging river users to wear proper life jackets and headgear before attempting to adventure in the river.

Hazards can change day-by-day, including debris and tree snags that can trap people underwater and puncture rafts, dangerous currents, and cold water temperatures

Colleen Pennington, Glenwood Canyon Manager for the White River National Forest