A big part of enjoying a Colorado summer has traditionally involved water, be it in lakes, rivers or streams.
This year, however, the state has experienced one water-related tragedy after another.
In recent months, we've already memorialized five people who lost their lives by drowning. Included among them were Jason McKain and Chris Danko, who drowned in Boulder Creek; Steven Kelly, who drowned in the Arkansas River; Joey Goodwin, who drowned while tubing on the South Platte River; and, most recently, Rose Mary Morgan, who drowned in the Platte in Douglas County.
Add to their number Jefte Flores, a sixteen-year-old Frisco resident and student at Summit High School, who drowned Saturday, August 22, in Green Mountain Reservoir. The Summit County coroner identified him yesterday.
Flores's Facebook page features a slew of self-portraits that show him to have been attractive and good-humored. Here's one example.....
...and another:
Green Mountain Reservoir is a beautiful slice of Colorado, as is seen in this video:
But while the reservoir is well-known for its cliff-diving, there's no mention of this activity in the account about Flores's death in the Summit Daily.
According to the publication, Flores merely chased a ball into the water in the vicinity of the Willow Springs campground around 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Shortly thereafter, he went under the surface of the water and didn't emerge.
Those who witnessed his difficulties immediately plunged into the reservoir, but they were unable to find him.
He was later located by rescue crews.
After Flores's death, a good friend posted this heartbreaking remembrance:
I have lost a man who was like a brother to me today and here's what I wish I could have told him before he passed away.Our condolences to the friend, family and loved ones of Jefte Flores — and we hope this is the last post of this type we have to write this summer.
Jefte Flores, you were one of my best friends I have ever had and imma miss you so much. You always made me and everyone else laugh. You were nice to everyone you knew (which was a ton of people )and i love you for that. You were funny and a great person and friend and I thank you for that. I knew you longer then I can remember and im happy im able to say that because you are amazing. You will always be in my heart and I will always miss you. Rest In piece my man, rest in piece.
Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.
