Search for Missing Boater at Carter Lake

Update 9/12/25: After searching through last night and today, a deceased man (presumed to be the missing kayaker) has been recovered from Carter Lake. The Larimer County Coroner will release his name, as well as cause and manner of death, at a later time.
Our hearts are with his family and friends. Thank you to our public safety partners and Larimer County Dive Rescue volunteers who supported this effort. While the outcome is tragic, we sincerely appreciate all who worked to bring closure to those grieving this loss.

Larimer County officials are searching for a missing kayaker at Carter Lake.

Just after 5 p.m. on September 11, 2025, Larimer County Dispatch received a 911 call from a recreator at Carter Lake. The caller reported seeing a man in the water who appeared to be in distress. The man was near a kayak and was not wearing a personal flotation device.

An off-duty Loveland Fire Rescue Authority firefighter was in the area and began searching for the man. Larimer County Natural Resources Rangers, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Emergency Services personnel, and Berthoud Fire Protection District dive rescue members responded to the scene. They located the kayak but not the man.

Search efforts are continuing this evening with the assistance of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT). The area of Carter Lake south of Dam 1 will be closed while efforts are ongoing. At this time, the operation has transitioned to a recovery mission. The community is asked to avoid the area to allow crews to work.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact LCSO Investigator Ryan Gebhardt at (970) 498-5586.

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Larimer County Sheriff's Office
(970)980-2501 |  Email

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