Otero Sheriff’s Department Investigates Storm-Related Death

Site of Microburst

Media Release Posted Jun. 13, 2016 at 10:48 AM

The Otero County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death that appears to have been caused by last night’s storm. This morning, Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the scene north of Highway 194 on County Road 33 where a man was found dead. It appears a small microburst may have caused an RV trailer to be thrown approximately 40 feet, in an area north of Highway 194 on County Road 33, killing a 50-year-old man from Arkansas, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The department is bringing in a camera drone to view the area for a possible damage path that may be consistent with a possible tornado or microburst. The identity of the victim is not being released until notifications of family members have been made by Coroner Bob Fowler. The National Weather Service is also assisting in the investigation.

Storm Site (Photo from National Weather Service)

The National Weather Service from Pueblo reported that, “A line of severe storms moved across southeast Colorado Sunday evening, June 12, 2016. The storms produced large hail and widespread severe winds.   In some areas wind gusts were in excess of 70 mph. Around 5 miles northeast of La Junta (Otero County) a trailer home, not anchored to the ground, was lofted into the air, and the occupant was killed. A damage survey was conducted by NWS Pueblo, and it was determined that 75-80 mph straight-line winds caused the destruction. A number of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued for the southeast plains.  The warning for northeast Otero County was issued at 8:25 p.m. MDT.  The fatality at the trailer home occurred around 8:37 p.m. MDT.”

Photos from National Weather Service Website