A woman after being found unresponsive Friday in Chatfield Reservoir following a fierce storm has died.
Hope Cassel, 45, a doctor and mother of three from Parker, was pronounced dead about 11 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Cassel was with her three sons, ages 14, 13 and 11, and an 11-year-old friend of the boys, on paddle boards off the swim beach at Chatfield Reservoir at about 1 p.m. on Friday “when a storm came up,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
A sad update this morning. Dr. Hope Cassel, caught in the sudden storm at Chatfield reservoir Friday, has died
— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco)
“Heavy wind, rain, lightning, thunder and hail occurred quickly,” the release said. “The storm caused large waves.”
The four boys, all wearing life vests, made it back to shore, but Cassel did not.
Officials found Cassel in the reservoir’s waters unresponsive. She was transported to Littleton Adventist Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
According to the sheriff’s office, she was wearing “an inflatable life ring that could be activated by pulling a cord.” When Cassel was found, the ring had not been inflated.
The family dog, a golden retriever, was on the board with Cassel and has not been located.
Mom of 3 in critical condition after nearly drowning at Chatfield Reservoir:
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel)
Cassel was certified in obstetrics and gynecology and had a practice in Parker, Hope Women’s Health. on the center’s website describes her as a family woman who enjoyed outdoor activities with her sons.
