Fly Fisherman Killed By 600-Pound Boulder

Misso Was Fishing At Big Thompson Canyon

12:41 AM, Apr 20, 2003

A California man was struck and killed by a 600-pound boulder Saturday while fly fishing in Big Thompson Canyon.

Frank Misso Jr., 38, of Paradise, Calif., died at the scene, said Eloise Campanella of the Larimer County sheriff's office.

Misso and a friend, Michael Diggs of Fort Collins, were fishing in the canyon near Drake, about 70 miles northwest Denver, when the boulder came loose from the wall above them at about 5 p.m., authorities said.

Diggs was approximately 50 yards from his friend when he saw the boulder land on Misso, Campanella said.

Larimer County Dive Rescue Team, Larimer County Sheriff's Deputies and paramedics arrived at the scene within ten minutes. However, Misso was pronounced dead at the scene.

Campanella said investigators believe the boulder's fall was an accident.