A woman found dead Friday morning in Summit Lake has been identified as Madeline Scott, 57, of Mancos.
Her 2016 Corolla was found in the lake Friday evening in about 25 feet of water near the boat ramp.
Scott’s death is under investigation, said Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin.
“There were no obvious signs of trauma, and an autopsy will be performed,” he said. “We’re interviewing a lot of people.”
The Lewis-Arriola Fire Department dive team discovered the car, and it has been retrieved. Investigators are seeking a search warrant for the vehicle, Nowlin said.
Investigators combed the area around the dam and searched the water for evidence. New Mexico State Police were called in with a boat to search the water. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the La Plata County sheriff also assisted the investigation. Nowlin said that as part of protocol, unattended deaths are investigated as homicides until proven otherwise. He said there are no persons of interest in the case.
According to the investigation, Scott reportedly left her Mancos home in her car, and arrived at the lake Thursday evening. The location of her car was initially a mystery, prompting a search of the area until is was discovered at the bottom of the lake.
The Summit Lake boat ramp and dam are closed to the public while the investigation continues, but are expected to open once the search for evidence is complete.
A local resident walking his dog along the dam discovered Scott’s body about 9 a.m. Friday and called 911.
Summit Reservoir is just off Colorado Highway 184, roughly midway between Mancos and Dolores.