Rose Mary Morgan, R.I.P.: Woman ID'd as Latest Colorado Drowning Victim

This year's heavy rains in Colorado have led to a staggering number of drownings in the state.

Among those we've memorialized in this space are Jason McKain and Chris Danko, both of whom drowned in Boulder Creek, Steven Kelly, who drowned in the Arkansas River, and Joey Goodwin, who drowned while tubing in the Platte River this past month.

The situation seemed to have improved of late, particularly in these parts. On July 20, for example, the sheriff's offices in both Douglas and Jefferson counties lifted restrictions on the South Platte.

But this past weekend, a woman now identified as Rose Mary Morgan, sixty, drowned during a tubing session on the Platte in Dougco. She's one of at least three people to drown in Colorado over recent days.


Around 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, Morgan and a thus-far-unidentified man were tubing down the South Platte near mile marker 8, in the vicinity of the Colorado Trail.

However, they fell from their tubes in a fast-running part of the river known as "the Chutes."

Kayakers reportedly saw what happened and were able to rescue the man, who suffered only minor injuries. But by the time Morgan was pulled from the water, it was too late.

Morgan's death was preceded by the passing of New Mexico resident Rayford Begaye, 26, who drowned in the Animas River on July 23. And around 8:09 p.m. on July 27, according to the Englewood police department, a 55-year-old man who tried swimming from a disabled boat to a dock on Centennial Lake in Centennial Park, also drowned. He hasn't been identified at this writing.

It's unclear how much high waters had to do with these last two incidents — but it certainly seems to have been a factor for Morgan, who wasn't wearing a life vest when she hit the water. Her companion wasn't, either.

Restrictions may have been lifted in many places, but plenty of dangers remain.

Our condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of Rose Mary Morgan and all of those who've lost their lives in Colorado waters this year. Continue to see reports about the Douglas County incident that from Fox31 and 7News.


Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.