Dr. Hope Cassel critically injured in accident on Chatfield Reservoir

Hope Cassel, of Parker, Colorado, was found unresponsive in Chatfield Reservoir following a severe thunderstorm. She is in critical condition.

Andrew Kenney

Jun. 25, 2016, 4:26 p.m.

Update, 6/27/2016: News media are reporting that Dr. Hope Cassel died late Sunday night.

Original report: Hope Cassel, 45, was paddle boarding on Chatfield Reservoir yesterday afternoon when a thunderstorm brought heavy wind, lightning, rain and hail, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Cassel was out with her three sons, ranging from ages 11 to 14, and their 11-year-old friend, at the time of the accident, around 1 p.m. Friday, according to the sheriff’s office.

The four boys all made it to shore, but Cassel, of Parker, was found unresponsive in the water.

The mother of three was wearing an inflatable life ring, but it had not been activated. The boys were wearing life jackets. Their dog, a golden retriever, was on the water with them and remains missing.

Cassel was in critical condition at Littleton Hospital as of Saturday at noon. She practices at Hope Women’s Health in Parker.

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