At approximately 12:30 a.m. on, June 18, the Boulder County Communications Center received a call about a possible vehicle crash near the Gross Reservoir Dam from a person reporting that they saw the headlights of a vehicle rolling down an embankment near the dam.

Upon arrival, first responders located an obvious crash site and began search and rescue efforts. Responders requested the Northern Colorado Med Evac helicopter fly over the area with a spotlight to help identify areas to narrow down their search. Based on their reconnaissance, search teams went out with boats and a dive team to locate the driver, but they were unable to do so. First responders also searched the shoreline as well, in case the driver had made it to shore.

After a period of time, the search transitioned from rescue to recovery mode. Sonar operations were conducted to determine the depth of the truck in the water to assist with plans for the additional operations taking place during daylight hours. The sonar scan determined the depth of water the dump truck was in to be up to 43 feet at the deepest point. Crews returned to the scene to resume recovery efforts. Rescue divers were able to access the cab of the dump truck and recovered the driver, who was declared deceased.

At this time, the decedent has been positively identified as 28-year-old Matthew Liu. The cause and manner of death, will be determined by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.

The following agencies responded to the incident: Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder Fire-Rescue, Boulder Emergency Squad, Colorado State Patrol, American Medical Response, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Coal Creek Fire Protection District, Denver Water, Northern Colorado Med Evac, Kiewit-Barnard Joint Venture, and the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.

Questions regarding the crash investigation should be directed to Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4583.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office associated case number is: 22-02829.