Albany County Dive Team Recovers Vehicle from Wheatland Reservoir

The Albany County Sheriff's Office dive team recovered a submerged vehicle and a single occupant from Wheatland Reservoir #1 in Platte County on Sunday, Jan. 4. The occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene, and authorities have withheld the victim's name pending family notification.

Platte County requested assistance a little before 10 a.m., and Albany County divers arrived on scene at approximately 1:00 p.m., immediately beginning dive operations. "The ACSO Dive Team arrived on scene at approximately 1:00 p.m. and immediately began dive operations. Team members conducted dives to a depth of approximately 12 feet, roughly 200 feet offshore. During the operation, the dive team located and recovered a vehicle containing a single occupant. The occupant was sadly pronounced deceased." With help from Lew's Towing, a hardline was attached to the front wheel and the automobile was winched from the reservoir.

The recovery underscores how rural counties depend on mutual aid for specialized rescue and recovery capabilities. Albany County's dive team was called into a neighboring jurisdiction after Platte County officials made the request, a response typical where water rescue resources are limited. The operation involved underwater searches at about 12 feet depth and work roughly 200 feet from shore, illustrating the technical demands placed on volunteer and county dive teams during winter months.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Platte County Sheriff's Office. At last report, investigators had not released the victim's identity while family notification was pending. Officials have not identified a cause for the vehicle entering the reservoir, and the investigation will determine the circumstances.

For local residents, the incident is a reminder of the risks posed by rural roads and bodies of water in winter conditions and the importance of clear signage and public awareness around reservoirs and waterways. It also raises questions about resource allocation and preparedness across county lines, including how quickly specialized teams can be mobilized and whether additional training or equipment is needed for cold-weather aquatic operations.

Albany and Platte county officials have not announced a timeline for releasing further details. The ongoing investigation by state and county authorities will determine next steps and any public safety recommendations resulting from their findings.