The Pueblo, Colorado, law enforcement community is mourning the death of Corporal Stephen Biggs, a longtime Pueblo Police Department officer who died following an off-duty wakeboarding accident at Lake Pueblo State Park.
Biggs disappeared on Sunday evening, September 27, 2026, while wakeboarding in the Peck Creek area of the lake.
A large search involving Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and Pueblo West Fire Department continued through the night before his body was recovered early Monday morning.
His death has brought an outpouring of grief from fellow officers and members of the wider Pueblo community.
What Happened to Stephen Biggs?
According to information released after the incident, Biggs was off duty when the wakeboarding accident occurred at Lake Pueblo State Park.
He was reported missing at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the Peck Creek area, located in the west-central portion of the park.
Emergency personnel immediately began searching the lake.
The operation continued for several hours as specialized crews worked to locate him beneath the water.
Authorities ultimately found Biggs’ body at approximately 2:45 a.m. Monday, September 28.
Stephen Biggs Found in Lake Pueblo
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team participated in the search and used specialized underwater equipment.
Biggs was reportedly located at a depth of nearly 50 feet.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and Pueblo West Fire Department also assisted with the recovery effort.
The circumstances that led to the wakeboarding accident remain under investigation, and authorities have not publicly released a detailed reconstruction of what happened immediately before Biggs disappeared beneath the water.
Stephen Biggs Cause of Death
Stephen Biggs died following the Lake Pueblo water-sports accident.
Current reporting establishes that he went missing while wakeboarding and was later recovered from the lake.
However, a formal medical cause and manner of death from the coroner have not been publicly detailed in the sources reviewed.
For that reason, it is more accurate to say that his death followed the wakeboarding accident rather than speculate about a specific medical mechanism.
Who Was Corporal Stephen Biggs?
Stephen Biggs was a veteran member of the Pueblo Police Department.
City records show that Biggs joined the department around 2010 and served in several law-enforcement roles throughout his career.
He was also a member of the department’s SWAT team and served as a Patrol Training Officer.
Historical Pueblo Police records document Biggs’ service years before his death, including his participation in patrol operations and high-risk incidents.
Decorated Pueblo Police Officer
Biggs received multiple honors during his police career.
Pueblo Police Department records list him among recipients of the Police Medal of Valor, an award given to officers who demonstrate extraordinary courage during highly dangerous situations.
He received multiple Medal of Valor recognitions over the course of his career and was also credited with numerous letters of commendation and other departmental recognition.
His record reflects years of service in situations involving significant risk to both officers and members of the public.
Stephen Biggs’ Role With Pueblo Police SWAT
Biggs also served with Pueblo Police Department’s tactical operations.
A 2019 Pueblo County District Attorney investigative record identifies Biggs as a SWAT team member who responded to an armed barricade incident while initially working patrol.
The document describes him assisting other officers during tactical operations at the scene.
His SWAT involvement became one part of a career centered on public safety and high-risk police work.
Pueblo Police Chief Remembers Stephen Biggs
Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller described Biggs’ death as deeply personal for the department.
In the department’s tribute, Noeller emphasized Biggs’ courage, dedication and commitment to his fellow officers.
The police department also announced plans to place Biggs’ patrol vehicle outside police headquarters at 200 South Main Street, providing a place where colleagues and members of the community can pay their respects.
Multi-Agency Search at Lake Pueblo State Park
The search for Biggs brought together several emergency and law-enforcement agencies.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife personnel led specialized water-search efforts, while Pueblo County deputies and Pueblo West firefighters provided additional support.
The recovery continued well into the night before specialized equipment located Biggs underwater.
The incident remains under investigation as officials work to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the accident.
Lake Pueblo State Park Accident Investigation
Lake Pueblo State Park is one of southern Colorado’s major destinations for boating and water recreation.
Wakeboarding and similar activities are common on the reservoir, but investigators are still determining precisely what happened during Sunday’s incident.
No publicly confirmed information reviewed establishes that criminal conduct, another watercraft or another person caused the accident.
Until authorities release additional findings, those questions remain unresolved.
Stephen Biggs Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Formal funeral arrangements for Corporal Stephen Biggs had not been publicly detailed in the sources reviewed at the time of publication.
The Pueblo Police Department’s decision to display his patrol vehicle provides an immediate location for community members wishing to honor his service.
Additional memorial, funeral or procession information may be announced by Biggs’ family or the department.
Remembering Corporal Stephen Biggs
Stephen Biggs leaves behind a lengthy record of service with the Pueblo Police Department.
From patrol assignments and officer training to SWAT operations and multiple Medal of Valor recognitions, his career included years of service in demanding and often dangerous situations.
His sudden death during an off-duty recreational outing has deeply affected colleagues who served alongside him and members of the Pueblo community familiar with his work.
As investigators continue examining the Lake Pueblo accident, the focus for his fellow officers and loved ones has turned toward remembering the life and service of Corporal Stephen Biggs.