Bent County Sheriff’s Office identifies man who drowned at John Martin Reservoir

UPDATE: 7/9/2024 7:47 p.m.

(BENT COUNTY, Colo.) — The Bent County Sheriff’s Office identified the man who drowned on Tuesday, July 9 as 65-year-old Tony Mills.

Mills was a resident of Bethune, Colorado. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Mills was working on his boat alone, then fell into the water, striking his head on the boat and sustaining a head injury.

ORIGINAL TITLE: Bent County Sheriff’s Office: Man drowned at John Martin Reservoir

The Bent County Sheriff’s Office reported that a man has died after deputies say he drowned at John Martin Reservoir State Park on Tuesday, July 9.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a man between 40 to 50 years old was working on a boat by himself when he fell and drowned. The man was not wearing a life jacket, according to deputies.

The Sheriff’s Office told FOX21 News that it wants to remind the public to always wear a life vest while out in the water.

Colorado Parks and Wildfire (CPW) requires boaters to carry one wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. If the boat is more than 16 feet in length, an additional throwable device is required. Individuals who are over the age of 16 may use an inflatable life jacket.

Authorities are still working on identifying the victim, he will be identified at a later date.

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