Source/Letters: The Denver Post <openforum @ denverpost.com>
Writer: fcardona @ denverpost.com
Link: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_2740612
Denver, CO
Article Launched: 05/18/2005 03:23:52 AM
Executive is killed while hunting
By Felisa Cardona
Denver Post Staff Writer A Qwest executive who was shot and killed while hunting in western Colorado may have been mistaken for a wild turkey, Garfield County authorities said Tuesday.
Jeff Rando Garrett, an assistant vice president for Qwest in Colorado, was turkey hunting near New Castle on Saturday when the shooting occurred.
After reviewing evidence and photographs of the scene, authorities said someone might have mistakenly fired at the 37-year-old Aurora man.
Garrett was sitting down, well-camouflaged and using a turkey call at the time of the shooting, said Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario.
Depending on what authorities learn about the shooting, a charge of careless hunting, reckless endangerment or manslaughter could apply, Vallario said.
"I know that people have been working diligently to try to figure out what has happened and have been very kind," said Garrett's wife, Charlotte. "It's been overwhelming, the support and kindness and love that people have shown."
Garrett was hunting with two friends about 6:30 a.m. when they agreed to split up and meet later.
The friends called the Sheriff's Office about 3 p.m. to report Garrett missing.
Garrett was found dead in the East Elk Creek area west of New Castle by a search and rescue team about 7 p.m.
Officials are investigating the case as a suspicious death because an autopsy showed the gunshot wound was not self-inflicted.
Garrett's hunting partners have been ruled out as suspects because their weapons were not consistent with the bullet recovered from Garrett.
They also cooperated with the investigation and could account for their time, Vallario said.
Qwest officials said they were "deeply saddened" by his death.
"Jeff was an extremely dedicated and valued leader at Qwest and a familiar face at the Colorado state Capitol," the company said in a statement. "More importantly, Jeff was a dear friend to many former and current Qwest employees."
Leroy Williams, a friend and the executive director of the state Department of Labor and Employment, said he and Garrett often went to Pierre's to eat catfish, one of Garrett's favorite foods.
"Jeff is a very personable guy ...," Williams said. "He knew how to nurture relationships."
Williams and Garrett forged a friendship while working at US West in the mid-1990s. They went bird hunting together, and their families socialized often.
Garrett is survived by his wife, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1- year-old son.
Visitation is scheduled today from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church, 21755 E. Smoky Hill Road, Centennial. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Garfield County investigators are urging people who were in the Elk Creek area on Saturday to come forward with information. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at 970-945-0453.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-820-1219 or [EMAIL PROTECTED].
All contents Copyright 2005 The Denver Post or other copyright holders. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial purpose.
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