Heavy rain fell over the Aspen Acres burn scar on Sunday, flooding Beulah Valley and killing a man, according to the sheriff’s office.
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The man was standing near the intersection of Colorado 78 and Central Avenue when he was swept away by strong floodwaters, according to a news release from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District personnel tried to rescue the man, but the flooding rushed him downstream.
A Flight for Life helicopter crew spotted the man’s body in a creek roughly two miles away, sheriff’s officials said. Rescuers hiked to the victim, but he had already died, according to the office.
The man will be identified by the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we confirm the tragic loss of life resulting from this afternoon’s flooding in Beulah,” Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero said in a statement. “I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and those affected by this tragic loss.”
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Roughly 1 to 1.5 inches of rain fell over the Beulah area in 90 minutes on Sunday, sheriff’s officials said. A flood watch went into effect for the Aspen Acres burn scar at noon and will remain active until 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
“Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall continue to be possible over the Aspen Acres burn scar,” forecasters wrote in the watch.
This is the beginning of monsoon season, and more rain is expected, sheriff’s officials said. Residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their families, “especially since flooding around the burn-scarred terrain can escalate rapidly,” officials stated.
Residents should stay away from flooded roadways and waterways, and should move to higher ground immediately if flood conditions worsen, according to the release.
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This is a developing story and may be updated.
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