Colorado
Southern Colorado sheriff speaks after missing hunter found dead in Chaffee County
CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – A 27-year-old Salida man who went missing while hunting earlier this month was found dead over the weekend, bringing a dayslong search in rugged terrain near Mount Shavano to a close.
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said Kaden Sites was found near Tabeguache Creek, about a mile and a half from where his truck was discovered near the Blanks Cabin Trailhead.
Sites had gone hunting alone April 15 and planned to return for a doctor’s appointment later that day, according to Sheriff Andy Rohrich. When Sites missed that appointment, family members alerted authorities, launching an extensive search effort that spanned more than a week.
Rohrich described the toll the operation took on both crews and loved ones.
“Very tired, our entire team is. I can only imagine how tired all the family and friends are.” Rohrich said.
Multiple agencies and volunteers assisted in the search, covering difficult terrain marked by steep hills, heavy brush and downed timber.
“We appreciate all our neighboring counties who jumped in when we needed them. They were amazing to work with and the family was so appreciative for their help,” Rohrich said.
Search crews faced significant challenges navigating the backcountry conditions.
“The terrain for sure. All very heavy brush, steep hills and a ton of down timber. Very dangerous. But, our teams and the volunteers were un-wavered by Mother Nature,” Rohrich said.
In a message to the Sites family, Rohrich expressed sympathy while acknowledging the difficult outcome.
“I am so sorry for their loss. I always had some level of hope we would bring their loved one home safe. The end result really stinks. I am confident that he was no longer with us when the search started which brings some level of relief to the teams that he was not suffering. We join the family in grieving this loss to our community,” he said.
Authorities said foul play is not suspected. The cause of death has not been released as the investigation continues.
Sites’ sister, Hannah, said the family is grateful for the outpouring of support and hopes people will consider donating to Chaffee County Search and Rescue after crews spent nearly two weeks searching for her brother. You can donate to the North and South teams here.
Copyright 2026 KKTV. All rights reserved.
Police are seeking other potential sexual assault victims of a rideshare driver who is now accused of driving away with an intoxicated female when her boyfriend got out of the vehicle.
Javier Delgado-Cordoba, 29, of Denver, turned himself in at the Jefferson County Jail on Monday, April 20. A warrant was issued by the Arvada Police Department the previous Friday for his arrest. Delgado-Cordoba was released the following day on a $20,000 cash bond, according to online court records.
The incident happened in January, after the woman went to a bar in the Denver area and then requested an Uber ride with her boyfriend to a residence in Arvada, according to Arvada PD’s press release. A driver named “Javier” reportedly picked them up in a light-colored 2023 Kia K5 sedan.
When they arrived at the Arvada residence, the boyfriend left the car to unlock the residence’s door. During that time, the driver entered the backseat with the female victim. She was intoxicated, per APD.
When the boyfriend quickly returned, the driver jumped back into the driver’s seat and drove away with the victim still inside, detectives reported.
The victim was dropped off at a business in another city later that night. Employees helped her get in touch with relatives, according to APD’s press release.
Later, the victim sought medical care and participated in a forensic exam. The DNA evidence obtained from that exam, along with information from interviews and Delgado-Cordoba’s rideshare profile and social media, led Arvada PD to pursue charges against him this month.
“As with many cases of this nature,” APD stated in its press release, “certain elements of the investigation, including forensic DNA analysis, required additional time to complete thoroughly and accurately.”
Arvada PD stated it believes there may be other victims. Delgado-Cordoba has been an Uber driver for about a year and may have driven other vehicles during that time, according to Arvada PD detectives. He had completed more than 1,000 rides in that time.
“We recognize that these types of crimes are deeply personal and difficult to report,” stated Arvada Chief of Police Ed Brady in the press release. “Our goal in sharing this information is to ensure that anyone who may have been affected knows they are not alone and that support and resources are available.”
Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Delgado-Cordoba is encouraged to call their local police department or sheriff’s office. They can also contact the Arvada Police Department directly at its tip line, (720) 898-7171, and reference case AR26001904.
Delgado-Cordoba is scheduled to appear in Jefferson County court on May 20. He currently faces three felony counts of sexual assault. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado leaders are reacting after President Donald Trump and other top U.S. officials were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after a shooting incident on Saturday evening.
Officials said the incident occurred when a gunman opened fire in the lobby entrance of the Washington Hilton, which was outside the ballroom where Trump and other guests were seated.
All officials protected by the Secret Service were evacuated and uninjured. Those in attendance included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio — and many other leaders of the Trump administration.
Colorado leaders from both parties reacted to the incident throughout Saturday night.
Here’s what they had to say.
Rep. Jeff Hurd
Rep. Hurd on X said the following:
“Grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who acted quickly to keep people safe following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
“Violence has no place in our politics. It must be condemned clearly and consistently.
“Keeping all those involved in my prayers tonight.”
Senator John Hickenlooper
“Appalled by the shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner. A night meant to celebrate the First Amendment was disrupted by political violence, which has no place in America. Grateful to the Secret Service and law enforcement who acted quickly and bravely to save lives,” said Sen. Hickenlooper on X.
Rep. Jason Crow
On X, Rep. Crow provided the following statement:
“Grateful that everyone attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe.
“Thank you to the Secret Service and law enforcement for quickly responding to shots fired at the event.
“Violence is never acceptable.”
Senator Michael Bennet
Sen. Bennet posted to X the following:
“A time-honored event dedicated to the First Amendment and a free press was disrupted by violence that has no place in our country.
“Grateful that those in attendance are safe, and thankful to the Secret Service and law enforcement who acted swiftly to protect lives.”
Rep. Diana DeGette
“The reported shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable,” said Rep. DeGette on X.
Rep. Jeff Crank
Rep. Crank provided the following statement on X:
“Thankful for the swift action from Secret Service and law enforcement at this evening’s WHCD to ensure President Trump and all attendees are safe.
“Pray for our country. There is no place for violence.”
Rep. Gabe Evans
On X, Rep. Evans said the following:
“My family and I are keeping everyone affected by tonight’s shooting in our thoughts and prayers.
“We are so grateful for the brave men and women in law enforcement who acted swiftly to ensure everyone was kept safe.
“There is no place for violence in our country.”
Gov. Jared Polis
“While details are still emerging, violence, even the attempt and I’m glad the President, Vice President and all in attendance are safe. I appreciate the law enforcement who responded quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. We all have the right to disagree, but never to try and hurt each other,” said Gov. Polis on X.
Rep. Lauren Boebert
Rep. Boebert said the following on X:
“Thank God President Trump is safe.
“The United States Secret Service hasn’t been funded for 70 days because of the Radical Left.
“Either this is their plan OR they need to change course and fund DHS/USSS NOW.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
“Political violence has no place in our democratic republic. And those who engage in such actions must be held accountable. Thinking about those at the WH Correspondents’ Dinner tonight and their safety and praying for healing our republic,” said AG Weiser on X.
Developing details
The shooting suspect was later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, two law enforcement officials told the Associated Press.
In a White House press briefing later on Saturday night, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect is being charged preliminarily with two charges related to using a firearm and assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but that there will be many more charges filed “based on the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation is ongoing.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was scrapped, but White House officials said it will be rescheduled.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Colorado
Colorado’s Serene Mountain Lake Is A Deep-Blue Vacation Haven For Camping, Paddling, And Fishing – Islands
High up in the Rocky Mountains at nearly 10,000 feet of elevation sits the serene escape of Turquoise Lake. Less than 10 miles from the U.S.’s highest city, Leadville, Turquoise Lake is a popular outdoor spot to enjoy the scenery, explore nature, and engage in outdoor activities. Here you’ll find Coloradans from all over the state vacationing to escape the heat and embrace some peace and quiet. Thanks to the altitude, the area won’t often get above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the peak of summer. The surrounding Sawatch Range with Mount Elbert and Mount Massive (some of the range’s peaks that exceed 14,000 feet) give every view of the lake a sense of drama.
If you are expecting vibrant green-blue colored waters like Moraine Lake in Banff, you may be in for a surprise when you find out the waters of Turquoise Lake are clean and clear. Further out from the shore, the water takes on a deep blue color. The turquoise in the name doesn’t come from the lake’s appearance, but the stone that was once mined in the area. The lake was dammed in the 19th century. Today, it provides water to cities along the Front Range.
As a former local, I lived about 30 miles away, close to the quaint adventure town of Buena Vista, and regularly camped on the shores of Turquoise Lake. I still come back to visit family and often hit the lake with the locals on a hot day.
Turquoise Lake is perfect for camping on the shores under the stars
Around the lake are 300 campsites across eight different campgrounds, meaning you can almost always find a spot for the night. Stretches of the lake have sand-covered shores, letting you enjoy the beach in the middle of the Rockies. A three-day weekend vacation is well spent along the lake with days for paddling and fishing and nights around the campfire. Remember that you’re camping in the mountains, so our essential tips can help you plan.
That mountain serenity is doubled with the lapping waters on the shore and the rustling wind through the lodgepole pines. When I’m here on a hot July day, this shoreline is where I place my camping chair slightly in the water so I can sit with my feet in the refreshingly cool water and a cold drink in my hand. After the sun sets, it’s time for the campfire. Campfires are shown to lower blood pressure, just make sure you check the fire restrictions beforehand so you can completely relax. At night, the stars are on full display over the lake on a clear night. (The region is working on become a certified International Dark Sky Community.) This is bear country –- you’ll sleep better if food and all your smelly stuff is locked up and away from your camp.
What to do at Turquoise Lake
After waking up in your tent in the morning, there’s plenty to do in and around Turquoise Lake. The 12.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail is a mostly flat hike with the occasional slight elevation change. The out-and-back trail includes spots to enjoy the view and swim in the cold water.
The lake is stocked with a variety of trout, so bring your fishing pole to catch your own dinner. Make sure you have a Colorado fishing license, which you can purchase online. If you have your own equipment at home, check out our guide to fishing gear you can take on vacation and save on renting a rod. Get on the lake using the ramp at the Matchless Boating Site. Whether you brought a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or motor boat, you have 1,800 acres of water to explore and fish, or you can rent your own paddleboard for exploring the lake, fishing, or yoga. Paddling out to the middle of the lake is a great opportunity for peace and quiet with expansive mountain views.
If you’re there in the winter, ice fishing is popular on the lake. Make sure you check the conditions before you head out –- the ice should be at least 4 inches thick to safely walk on it. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling can all be done on the groomed system of trails surrounding the lake. Turquoise Lake is about 100 miles southwest of Denver and the Denver International Airport. If you’re flying, rent a car to explore the area on your own or take the bus from Denver.
-
Denver, CO4 minutes agoDenver area events for April 27
-
Seattle, WA10 minutes agoWEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire on 35th
-
San Diego, CA16 minutes agoMorning Report: Senator Wants Redo on County Reforms
-
Milwaukee, WI22 minutes agoSam Stair arrest is part of a bigger landlord issue, Milwaukee officials say
-
Atlanta, GA28 minutes agoSan Jose roll on, Atlanta correct course & more from Matchday 10 | MLSSoccer.com
-
Minneapolis, MN34 minutes agoMinneapolis Police Chief’s Public Statements on Domestic Violence Cases Under Scrutiny After City Auditor Report
-
Indianapolis, IN40 minutes agoColts draft grades: Indianapolis gets mixed reviews, to say the least
-
Pittsburg, PA46 minutes agoOverreactions to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 NFL Draft Class: Will Howard’s future, Omar Khan without Mike Tomlin, and more