4-year-old Colorado child dies after rescue from creek in Boulder County

The 4-year-old child who was rescued after being swept away in St. Vrain Creek on Tuesday has died at the hospital. According to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began shortly before 5:30 p.m. when the family flagged down a passing motorist to receive a ride to an area with cell phone service. 

After the delay in contacting emergency officials, multiple agencies joined in the search for the boy, who went missing along the creek around three miles northwest of Lyons.

First responders, including swift water rescue teams, searched on foot and in vehicles. Drones were also launched to assist in the search. 

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office said the boy was with a relative when he fell into the water. The family member was initially unable to call for help due to a lack of cellphone service in the area. The child's relative managed to find a place with service 10 minutes later and called 911.

First responders located the child downstream, about a mile and a half from where he was reported missing about 7:07 p.m. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and then died.

According to investigators, the boy was one of two children playing in the water.  

The Boulder County Coroner's Office said it will conduct an independent investigation to determine the cause and manner of death. The incident remains under investigation by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office. 

In the Fort Collins area a child also died after falling into an irrigation ditch on Tuesday.