DENVER (KDVR) — A dead body recovered at Watson Lake on Sunday was confirmed to be the missing Fort Collins man, Larry Baker, 80.
The coroner’s office determined that his death was an accidental drowning, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
Baker was reported missing on June 17 around 5 p.m. The initial report said he had left his Fort Collins home the previous day around 7:30 a.m. and had not returned. Rangers from multiple agencies searched areas where he visits often, and his vehicle and fishing gear were later found at Watson Lake State Wildlife Area.
On June 22, after six days of search efforts for Baker, the sheriff’s office stated that a dead body was found at Watson Lake. On June 23, an autopsy was performed, which has since been confirmed the body as Baker’s.
“Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved Larry. We share in your grief and will continue to keep you in our thoughts in the difficult days and weeks ahead,” the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said.
In an interview with FOX31, Amy Vandergrift, who knew Baker, said he left a positive impact on others and was well-known in the For Collins’ Old Town community.
“He turned a lot of people’s lives around,” stated Vandergrift.
