Mike Roumph (Photo/CSU-Pueblo Athletics)Mike Roumph, assistant wrestling coach for the past dozen seasons at Colorado State University-Pueblo was killed late Friday in a rafting accident in Fremont County in Colorado. Roumph was 53.
Sheriff deputies told KKTV that Roumph was rafting on the Royal Gorge portion of the Arkansas River when he flipped out of his raft and landed on rocks. Narrows Rapid in the Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River about 5 miles west of Canon City. The rapid is a class IV to V rapid, which is considered very difficult to extremely difficult, and the river was running at 2,780 cubic feet per second at the time of the accident.
According to Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper, Roumph was on a private raft with friends when the raft hit a river hydraulic known as a hole and threw him from the raft. Roumph, who was wearing both a personal flotation device and a helmet, fell into the water and was pulled from the river downstream.
Rescuers started CPR on-site and Roumph was transported by emergency medical service personnel to the hospital where efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said Roumph was taken for autopsy Monday and his cause of death is listed as accidental drowning.
Mike Roumph (Photo/CSU-Pueblo Athletics)Authorities have not released any other details about Roumph's death at this time.
Roumph's primary duties as assistant coach was to mentor wrestlers within the upper weight classes at CSU-Pueblo, helping to develop one NCAA champion and eight All-Americans during his 12 years on staff.
In addition, Roumph ran a business completely separate from his work as a wrestling coach at CSUB-Pueblo. In fact, he was described as a longtime assistant wrestling coach as well as "an influential Pueblo businessman."
Mike Roumph (Photo/CSU Pueblo Athletics)Roumph also combined his love of coaching and knowledge of financial management. As vice president and co-founder of Friends of Football, a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the athletic programs at CSU-Pueblo and in Southern Colorado, he helped raise nearly $14 million to restart football, wrestling and women's track and field in 2008 and the construction of the the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl, considered one of the top Division II football and track facilities in the country, according to the CSU-Pueblo website.
Dr. Paul Plinske, CSU-Pueblo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics said, "Our entire Department stands in utter shock and sadness over the sudden and untimely passing of Mike. He lived life to the fullest and gave us all so much. This loss impacts more than wrestling. Mike was a supporter of all things Pack Athletics. He was a special person who touched many lives and will be greatly missed."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ADDED 6/10/20
Mike Roumph leaves behind his children Connor, Max, Chayse Roumph, and his stepson Josh Moser. As well as his brother Eric Roumph (Aimee), sister Diane Roumph both from Denver. As well as his mother Judy Roumph of Sterling, Colo. He is also survived by his granddaughter Remi Moser, nephews Alec, Sam and Austin and nieces Olivia, and Tessa.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, contributions may be made to:
Friends of Football
CSUP Wrestling Fund
504 Grand Ave
Pueblo, CO 81003
No memorial service has been scheduled as of now. However, there is an option to send flowers or plant a memorial tree in Coach Roumph's honor. 855-329-5806; Davis Mortuary - Pueblo; 128 Broadway Avenue; Pueblo, CO 81004
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