NEW DETAILS: Cedar City man dies paddle boarding at Quail Creek State Park

HURRICANE, Utah ( ABC4 ) — Utah State Parks has released new details regarding the man who died while paddle boarding at Quail Creek State Park Friday afternoon.

The victim has been identified as Pedro Castillo, 49, of Cedar City.

At around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, Castillo was paddle boarding with his wife and daughter on Quail Creek Reservoir. The family had been camping together at the park, officials said.

Strong gusts of wind reportedly started coming, and all three were knocked from their boards. They were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, according to a press release from Utah State Parks.

A Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation ranger was reportedly nearby and responded after seeing the paddle boards blowing away. The ranger, along with a bystander who offered to help, took the ranger’s boat and were able to get Castillo’s wife and daughter aboard safely.

Unfortunately, they found Castillo face down in the water. They brought Castillo aboard and began CPR. The ranger reportedly continued life-saving efforts at the boat docks with help from additional rangers from the Utah Division of State Parks and Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Life Flight also responded.

Castillo was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 5:17 p.m. It is estimated he had been face down in the water for around 30 seconds before help arrived.

“The Utah Division of State Parks extends our condolences to Pedro Castillo’s family and friends. This incident remains under investigation at this time,” a press release from Utah State Parks states. “We would also like to thank the additional responding agencies that assisted, including the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue, and Intermountain Life Flight.”

“Outdoor recreators should work diligently to prioritize safety. Always recreate with a buddy, wear your life jackets and helmets, and let somebody know where you are going and when to expect your return. Checking weather conditions and water temperatures is also vital. Be willing to alter your schedule due to changing conditions and have a plan for what you will do if caught in bad weather. Pack appropriate gear for your activity and stay hydrated while outdoors.”

For more information on Utah’s state parks, safety tips, and laws and rules, visit the Utah State Parks website here .

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