A man who died after plunging into the Punch Bowl section of the
Roaring Fork River on Independence Pass east of Aspen has been
identified.
Nicholas McChesney, 22, of Aspen died after drowning in the frigid,
whirlpool-like water of the Punch Bowl — a popular spot where residents
and visitors cool off in the summertime. McChesney was with a group of
friends from Longmont when he jumped in first. He reportedly jumped
about 20 feet off a cliff into the water. His friends tried to save him
but were unsuccessful.
Due to a mix-up, authorities originally reported the deceased was also
from Longmont. But the local coroner’s office said Monday that he was
from Aspen.
No further information was available at press time.
