Man who died at Quail Creek Reservoir on Friday identified

HURRICANE, Utah — A 49-year-old man drowned on Friday afternoon at Quail Creek Reservoir after falling off of his paddle board without a lifejacket on.

Utah State Parks said in a press release that Pedro Castillo was paddle boarding with his wife and daughter at 4:30 p.m., when all three of the family members were knocked off of their boards due to gusts of wind. The press release said none of the family members were wearing life jackets.

“A Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation law enforcement ranger was nearby and was able to immediately respond upon seeing the paddle boards blowing away,” the press release said. “The ranger and a bystander who offered his help boarded the ranger’s boat and were able to get the wife and daughter on board safely.”

The ranger who helped the family found Castillo face down in the water. He had been in the water face down for about 30 seconds, according to the press release.

The ranger was able to get Castillo onto a boat and start CPR and continued to attempt to save the man’s life at a boat dock with help from other rangers. Life flight was called into the area to help Castillo, but he was pronounced dead at 5:17 p.m.

“The Utah Division of State Parks extends our condolences to Pedro Castillo’s family and friends,” the press release said. “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.”

The incident is currently under investigation.

Water safety

• Use the buddy system
• Wear a life jacket and helmet
• Tell someone where you are going and the time you will be back
• Watch the weather forecast
• Change plans if needed due to weather
• Have a plan if caught in bad weather
• Pack appropriate gear

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Man dead after paddle boarding accident at Quail Creek State Park

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