7:20 pm Update: The adult female taken to the hospital has died. The Mesa County Coroner's Office is responsible for determining the person's cause and manner of death and will release the person's name when appropriate. The Mesa County Sheriff's Office would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family. 

Previous:

At approximately 1:45 this afternoon, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office responded to a group of people needing help in the Colorado River. 

The group of 6 people recreating in the river on a paddleboard, kayak, and river raft, got into trouble near the 5th Street Bridge. Five people were able to self-rescue by making their way to an island. One person on a paddleboard remained missing.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office and Mesa County Search and Rescue, Grand Junction Fire Department, and Grand Junction Police Department immediately responded and launched a rescue boat in the river.  

The missing adult female was found unconscious and not breathing. She was immediately taken to shore, where life-saving measures were performed. She was transported to St. Mary's hospital, where her condition remains unknown. The remaining people were helped to shore by rescue crews.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office would like to stress the importance of wearing a Personal Floatation Device (Life Jacket). They are available at most boat ramps in the community to use for FREE, thanks to the Save-a-Life Jacket Program. Also, please do NOT use a leash on a rivercraft unless it has a breakaway feature. If you do lose a craft in the river and are able to self-rescue, please let us know. Call non-emergency dispatch (970) 242-6707 or 911.