A local man died by drowning Saturday afternoon along the Animas River.
Police received a call at 3:15 p.m. about a man facedown in a storm drainage on the west side of the Animas River, near the intersection of 31st Street and East Second Avenue.
“He was facedown in a small water drainage,” said Cmdr. Jacob Dunlop of the Durango Police Department. “Not the main river, but by the side by the railroad tracks where the storm water drains.”
The person who called police heard coughing and gurgling and ran over to find a man facedown in the water. By the time officers arrived, two people had successfully gotten the man out of the water. Paramedics performed CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Water was actively running through the storm drainage during the time of the incident. Police don’t believe foul play was involved, but there is evidence that suggests alcohol was involved, Dunlop said.
“At this time, it doesn’t sound like there are any kind of suspicious circumstances,” he said. “But we can’t assume anything until we complete the autopsy.”
Identification found in the man’s pocket indicates he was 66 years old and from the area, Dunlop said. However, DPD still hasn’t positively confirmed the identity of the victim.
“We’re not sure yet,” Dunlop said. “We’re still investigating that part.”
Sgt. Nick Staci with the DPD said Sunday the department is not yet ready to release the name of the man.
asemadeni@durangoherald.com
