Tragic Drowning at Lake Pueblo State Park Claims Life of 22-Year-Old Richmond, Texas Man

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. — A tragic incident at Lake Pueblo State Park has claimed the life of a young man, marking the fourth water-related death at the park in 2025. The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the victim is 22-year-old Victory Chinwendu Osuji of Richmond, Texas.

The heartbreaking event unfolded on the evening of Thursday, June 19, just after 7:00 p.m., when Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials received multiple reports from witnesses stating that a man had fallen into the water from an inflatable tube and disappeared beneath the surface. According to those on the scene, Osuji was not wearing a life jacket at the time and was approximately 30 to 60 yards from shore in the park’s south fishing area when the incident occurred.

Immediate calls for help brought CPW boat patrol crews to the location, and a multi-agency search and recovery operation was swiftly launched. Crews utilized advanced equipment, including sonar technology and an underwater drone, in an urgent attempt to locate the missing man. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t until approximately 1:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20, that the Marine Evidence Recovery Team successfully recovered Osuji’s body from the lake.

The news has left both local residents and the broader Lake Pueblo community reeling. As summer begins to draw people outdoors and onto the water, this tragic loss is a stark and sobering reminder of the importance of water safety — particularly the life-saving difference that a personal flotation device (PFD) can make.

Victory Osuji, described by loved ones as bright, ambitious, and full of promise, was visiting Colorado to enjoy its natural beauty. His death cuts short a young life filled with hope and potential, and sends another wave of grief through a year already marred by multiple water-related tragedies at Lake Pueblo.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reiterated its commitment to public safety while also urging visitors to take precautions seriously, especially on open water:

“This is a deeply tragic loss,” said a CPW spokesperson. “We urge everyone, no matter how strong a swimmer you are, to always wear a life jacket while boating or tubing. Lake Pueblo is beautiful but unpredictable. Conditions can change in an instant, and safety gear is the best protection you can have.”

Lake Pueblo State Park, a popular destination for boaters, anglers, and families during the summer months, has seen a troubling spike in water-related incidents this year. With four fatalities in 2025 alone, CPW officials are increasing patrols, enhancing public education efforts, and placing additional signage throughout the park to remind visitors of the dangers associated with water recreation.

The family of Victory Osuji has asked for privacy as they grieve this devastating loss and make arrangements to bring their beloved son and brother back home to Texas.

In memory of Victory, CPW and local advocates are encouraging those who frequent Colorado’s lakes and rivers to not only wear life jackets themselves but also to encourage others to do the same — turning heartbreak into action and tragedy into awareness.

For those seeking to honor Osuji’s memory, donations to water safety education programs or youth scholarship foundations in his name are being welcomed.

As the sun continues to shine on Lake Pueblo and the summer season rolls on, let us not forget the names and lives behind these tragedies. Let us remember Victory Chinwendu Osuji, and let his memory serve as a reminder that no one is invincible in the water — and that sometimes, the smallest precautions can be the ones that save lives.