Larry Baker Obituary-Death News; Body Discovered at Watson Lake Believed to Be Missing Fort Collins Man Larry Baker
Authorities in northern Colorado believe they may have located the body of a missing Fort Collins resident at Watson Lake, bringing a somber development to a search that had stretched across several days and involved extensive resources. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a body was discovered on Sunday, June 23, at Watson Lake, which is located within the Watson Lake State Wildlife Area just outside Fort Collins.
While officials have not yet positively identified the body, they have reason to believe it may be Larry Baker, a 67-year-old Fort Collins man who had been reported missing nearly a week earlier. Baker, described by family and friends as an avid outdoorsman and passionate fisherman, was last seen when he left his home the morning of June 16, presumably headed for a day of fishing at Watson Lake — one of his favorite local spots.
His vehicle was later found parked in the lake’s lot, which immediately raised concern and triggered a massive search operation. In response, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office coordinated a multi-agency search that included over 60 personnel, with tracking dogs, ground teams, drones, divers, and advanced underwater sonar technology. The search was centered on the lake and the surrounding wooded area, with crews working into the evening hours on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week in hopes of locating any trace of the missing man.
On Sunday, those efforts came to a tragic turning point when a body was recovered in the lake. As a precaution, officials temporarily closed access to Watson Lake during the investigation but have since reopened the area to the public.
The sheriff’s department emphasized that the official identification of the body will be made by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office, which will also determine the cause and manner of death. That information will be released publicly once the next of kin is notified and confirmation is complete.
“This is a heartbreaking development, but we are grateful for the tireless efforts of all involved in the search,” said one local official who participated in the recovery effort. “Our thoughts are with Larry’s family and loved ones as they await final confirmation.”
Larry Baker was a well-known and well-liked figure in the Fort Collins community. A retired engineer, he spent much of his time outdoors and was described by neighbors as a quiet, kind man who loved to fish, hike, and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty. Friends and family had been holding out hope for a safe return, and many had taken part in informal search efforts while law enforcement conducted their operation.
While the community awaits official confirmation, many residents have already begun sharing their condolences online, expressing their sadness and support for the Baker family.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released any information suggesting foul play, though all possibilities remain under consideration until the autopsy is complete. More updates are expected in the coming days as the coroner finalizes identification and provides further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death.
For now, the Fort Collins community grieves the likely loss of one of its own, remembering Larry Baker as a man who found peace in nature and who may have spent his final moments in a place he loved.
