FORT COLLINS, Colorado -- The body of a Larimer County Department of Natural Resources ranger was recovered Friday morning after drowning in a reservoir the previous night.
Ranger Brendan Unitt was on patrol in his boat on the Horsetooth Reservoir when he went missing following a strong wind even around 9:18 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release.
Unitt's boat was found when Larimer County Sheriff's deputies arrived on the scene, but the 27-year-old could not be located.
A massive search was immediately launched in efforts to locate and rescue the ranger. Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, LCSO Emergency Services, Poudre Fire Authority, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Larimer County Dive Rescue Team, Larimer County Search and Rescue, Denver Police Department helicopter, and LCSO deputies and investigators responded to assist.
Unitt's body was recovered from the water around 3:30 a.m. Friday. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Larimer County Coroner’s Office are investigating. The cause of death was determined to be Asphyxiation Due to Fresh Water Drowning
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the ranger’s family and our partners at the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources," Larimer Sheriff's officials said in a statement.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
