Theodis Forrest Jr. dies in tragic Rampart Reservoir paddleboarding accident
Theodis Forrest Jr. dies in tragic Rampart Reservoir paddleboarding accident
Fatal Rampart Reservoir paddleboarding incident claims the life of Theodis Forrest Jr. – Obituary
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — The search for a missing paddleboarder at Rampart Reservoir concluded in sorrow early Sunday morning with the recovery of Theodis Forrest Jr.’s body.
The search-and-rescue mission began on Saturday afternoon after witnesses reported seeing a man fall into the water while paddleboarding with his dog and not resurface. The 25-year-old victim was later identified as Theodis Forrest Jr. by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support his family, and those wishing to contribute can find the page here. “Otis was a beacon of joy and kindness in this world,” reads a portion of the GoFundMe page. “He was tall, athletic, and full of life. Otis loved adventure, often with his rescue dogs, Roscoe and Archie, by his side.”
The dog that had accompanied Forrest on the paddleboard managed to stay on the board initially before swimming to shore in the 62-degree water, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Responding agencies included CPW, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Search efforts began immediately, including the deployment of a helicopter by CSFD.
About 30 minutes after arriving, CSFD transitioned the mission to a body recovery. CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) and rangers from across the state joined the operation, conducting a grid search on the 500-acre reservoir where the paddleboarder was last seen.
The recovery operation marked a somber end to the search for Forrest, who is remembered fondly by friends and family.
Theodis Forrest Jr. dies in tragic Rampart Reservoir paddleboarding accident Fatal Rampart Reservoir paddleboarding incident claims the life of Theodis Forrest Jr. – Obituary EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — The search for a missing paddleboarder at Rampart Reservoir concluded in sorrow early Sunday morning with the recovery of Theodis Forrest Jr.’s body. The search-and-rescue…
Theodis Forrest Jr. dies in tragic Rampart Reservoir paddleboarding accident Fatal Rampart Reservoir paddleboarding incident claims the life of Theodis Forrest Jr. – Obituary EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — The search for a missing paddleboarder at Rampart Reservoir concluded in sorrow early Sunday morning with the recovery of Theodis Forrest Jr.’s body. The search-and-rescue…