State wildlife officers and an underwater robot recovered the body of a missing man, identified by local law enforcement as an off-duty police officer, in early Monday morning.
The Pueblo Police Department identified the man who died as Cpl. Stephen Biggs, an off-duty officer. He died in a wakeboarding accident, .
Biggs’ body was found in 48-foot-deep water near Peck Creek Cove at about 2 a.m. Monday, following an hours-long search, according to a from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He was at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, state wildlife officials said.
Peck Creek Cove sits on the northwest side of the Pueblo Reservoir, a man-made lake along the Arkansas River.
The will release the officer’s cause and manner of death.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and a “remotely operated vehicle,” described by the agency as an underwater robot, recovered Biggs’ body from the water, state wildlife officials said.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual who died in this tragic incident,” Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joseph Stadterman, who is also a member of the recovery team, said in a statement. “We are grateful to our partner agencies and everyone who worked through the night during this difficult recovery.”
Biggs was hired by the Pueblo Police Department in October 2010, police said in the release. During his career, he received 10 letters of commendation, three Medal of Valor awards and a Distinguished Service award, police said.
“Working with Stephen was an honor, and his loss is deeply personal,” Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller said in a statement. “His courage, dedication, and commitment to his fellow officers meant so much to our department. I was proud to serve with him, and I will miss him. My heart is with his family, his friends, and everyone in our department who is grieving his loss.”
This is a developing story and may be updated.
