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HURRICANE, Washington County — A man who died after falling into Quail Creek Reservoir in Hurricane, Washington County, while paddle boarding was identified by Utah State Park officials on Sunday.
The man was identified as 49-year-old Pedro Castillo from Cedar City.
About 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Castillo was camping at Quail Creek State Park with his wife and daughter when they began paddle boarding on the reservoir. Strong winds came up, leading all of them to fall into the water. They were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, according to Devan Chavez, spokesman for the Utah Division of State Parks.
A Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation law enforcement ranger was nearby and responded after seeing the paddle boards blowing away. The ranger and a nearby man boarded the ranger's boat and were able to get the wife and daughter on board safely but found Castillo face down in the water, said Chavez. Upon bringing Castillo aboard, lifesaving efforts began immediately.
A medical helicopter was dispatched, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
At this point, authorities are still investigating the death, and it isn't clear whether the man died due to drowning or a medical incident.
