Off-Duty Police Officer Dies After Wakeboarding Accident in Colorado
Corporal Stephen Biggs, a 12-year veteran of the Pueblo Police Department, was reported missing Sunday evening and found deceased the following morning.
An off-duty police officer has been found dead hours after a wakeboarding accident at Lake Pueblo State Park in Colorado. Corporal Stephen Biggs, 41, a member of the Pueblo Police Department since 2010, was discovered early Monday morning.
Biggs was reported missing on Sunday evening around 5:30 p.m. after he disappeared while wakeboarding. His body was recovered in approximately 50 feet of water following an overnight search by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which utilized an underwater robot.
During his tenure, Cpl. Biggs was an experienced member of the department’s SWAT team and received numerous accolades, including 10 letters of commendation, three Medal of Valor awards, and the Distinguished Service award. "Working with Stephen was an honor, and his loss is deeply personal," Pueblo Police Department Chief Chris Noeller stated in a news release. "His courage, dedication, and commitment to his fellow officers meant so much to our department. I was proud to serve with him, and I will miss him. My heart is with his family, his friends, and everyone in our department who is grieving his loss."
As a sign of respect, Biggs’ patrol car will be parked at the police department headquarters. Family and loved ones have been seen leaving flowers and tributes at the vehicle. The incident remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.