The world-famous fall Gauley River season runs for two more weekends. However, I was on a commercial trip in '02 where a dislocated shoulder patient waited for three hours for an ambulance evacuation because the responding service didn't have the map, and didn't know how to get to Sweet's Falls (a major and well known rapid. This strategy is usually formed around the campfire the previous season. This time, a kayaker drowned at the Pillow Rock Rapid after overturning. (304) 574-2343, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association, The National Park Service in Southern West Virginia, Rafting Deaths on the New and Gauley Rivers, NPS Report: Tourists spend $45 million visiting New River Gorge. There was one commercial rafting death on the Upper Gauley in each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, according to Jenny Noll, of the National Park Service. The raft guide signaled for help and other rafters, including a doctor, a nurse and an EMT, responded but couldn't revive Hampton. Dengler Images, LLC specializes in stock image licensing of photos of wildlife, nature, landscape,outdoor sports and recreation, travel, and our environment. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Little Z is above Fingernail Rock/Rapid and downstream of Keegan's Falls. WeekdayFriday/Saturday$235.00 Missoula, MT: A Missoula teen traveling with a kayaking prep school drowned Friday when his boat became trapped on a West Virginia river. Lewis said it is crucial for people to be honest with themselves on their physical condition and ability as well as being upfront with their guides about any medical conditions. The fatality was in the right most slot, where there is commonly run boof. Rockville to Jenkinsburg Bridge (Cheat River), New View Our Bridge Day Specials Lower Gauley River Upper Gauley River Gualey River Marathon GAULEY RIVER WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIPS "Gauley Season" begins the first weekend after Labor Day, and is the premier whitewater rafting experience in West Virginia. Low 46F. Be sure to follow the guidelines on the Web sites for the kind of clothing that will allow you to have a comfortable day on the river. Areas of patchy fog. New River Gorge: Cunard to Fayette Station, 3. Woman dies in rafting accident on Upper Gauley. Needless to say I would say that people should stop running that line. Pay attention to what they say. Tweets from https://twitter.com/heralddispatch/lists/hd-news-4. SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. -- A University of Illinois student died in a whitewater rafting accident on the Upper Gauley River on Sunday, a rafting company official said. or anything. His name will not be released because of his age. Scheduled releases for this fall's Gauley season are Monday, Sept. 20; Friday, Sept. 24, through Monday, Sept. 27; Friday, Oct. 1, through Monday, Oct. 4; Friday, Oct. 8, through Monday, Oct. 11 and the last weekend of Gauley River season and Bridge Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16 and 17. Don't miss out on the beast of the east! The drop was on the far right. After swimming through part of the rapid, Hampton, who was wearing a wetsuit, got back in the raft with the rest of his companions but began having difficulty breathing and became unresponsive. According to the school's Web site, the application process for students is rigorous. His death was considered a drowning. The 17-year-old student from Missoula was paddling with a group of 11 kayakers from the school. The Montana teenager who died while kayaking near some of West Virginia's most famous whitewater rapids had just competed - and placed - in the national kayaking championships. Don't knowingly lie about anyone We'd love to hear eyewitness NRS Field Rep, Jean Slade, checks in from her van down by the river with these pro tips to maximize your Gauley Fest experience this fall. Don't Threaten. The World Class Kayak Academy is a preparatory high school for studentsstriving to become competitive kayakers. that is degrading to another person. 800-787-3982 Book Now Free Catalog 800-787-3982 Book Now Free Catalog Covid-19 Events Deals Cart Payments Rafting Waterpark Cabins Adventures Packages Resort Today's fatality is the third death in less than a month on the Gauley River. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Commercial whitewater rafting has been growing in popularity for several decades. Well, the river has been pretty stable, and nothing has changed about the quality of the raft companies and the guides. This formidable river deals out 25 rapids in just the first 9 miles of water and hosts legendary class V rapids like Pillow Rock, Iron Ring, Lost Paddle and more. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. I'm not sure if any have happened during the festival but I would guess at least a few have. He was a very, very experienced kayaker, said Scott Doherty, the academy's director. It attracts boaters from all over the world who test themselves against the powerful and dangerous river. "I think that safety net has been in place for a long time and seems pretty concrete. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GUIDES: At the top of each rapid (and there are five Class Vs on the Upper Gauley), guides tell you exactly where the undercut rocks are in a rapid, and where to swim to avoid danger in a rapid. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Cloudy skies. Source: WVVA. Here's what you need to know about the Gauley before you go: Gauley rafting season starts the Friday after Labor Day and runs for six weekends during scheduled dam releases (Friday thru Monday the first five weekends, and Saturday thru Sunday the last weekend). For more information, please see our Violation of copyright will be actively prosecuted. These releases are collectively known as "Gauley Season" Typical release levels during "Gauley Season" range from 2,400 to 2,800 ft/s (68 to 79 m/s). Someone had placed a cross at the site where Lentz drowned over the weekend as his classmates tried to rescue him. Dengler Images, LLC specializes in stock image licensing of photos of wildlife, nature, landscape,outdoor sports and recreation, travel, and our environment. The academy is a preparatory high school specializing in training competitive kayakers. All photographs and text within DenglerImages.com are copyright John L. Dengler and/or the stated publication and are presented for web browser viewing only. New River Gorge: Cunard to Fayette Station, Blackwater Falls to North Fork Confluence, Rt. Winds light and variable. People from many backgrounds, of all ages, and physical abilities take part in this exciting outdoor activity. The third fatality of the 2009 Gauley River whitewater rafting season was reported Friday, this one claiming the life of an Indiana man, National Park Service officials said. 3. racist or sexually-oriented language. 1998 - 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. They weren't able to do it. The flow of the Upper Gauley River drops every day when an upstream dam closes its gates. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. This was his second semester with us. One of the people knew a guide that was tagging along with our trip and asked him to stop and help which he did. Kayaker dies on Upper Gauley 17-year-old from Montana was experienced By Amelia A. Pridemore Beckley, WV Register-Herald Reporter A 17-year-old student from a Montana kayaking prep school drowned Friday when his kayak got trapped under water on the Upper Gauley River, authorities said. Over the last decade thereare6-10 whitewater rafting deaths for each 2.5 million user days on guided rafting trips. New River Dries: Hawks Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge, AC (Lower): Big Rock Camping Area to Gauley River, 6. Two classmates were sent downriver, where they met up with a commercial outfitter at Sweets Fall who had a radio. Areas of patchy fog. It is thought that there may be a log lodged in the drop now. Body was caught in the slot and folded over. It took the professional rescuers over two hours to free the kayak and recover the boys body, which was then transported by raft downriver to an ambulance and turned over to the county medical examiner. Be Nice. The Lead boat flipped against the big rock left-center at Hawaii 5-0 (Second Drop). Sam Stewart, a licensed whitewater rafting guide, and third-year resident in Marshall University's School of Medicine with a wilderness medicine track, said these accidents seem to be just freak occurences. person will not be tolerated. You have permission to edit this article. $80/person. I personally never run this line with my raft so all I know is from what I've heard from other guides. As first-timers, we chose the Lower Gauley 1-day option (the Upper Gauley is not for beginners) for approx. NPS Report: Tourists spend $45 million visiting New River Gorge. "The other team members were there and had a hold of him within a minute or two, and in another twenty minutes the commercial outfitters were there to help," Doherty said. Be Truthful. . On Sept. 12, Eric Clark, 40, of Circleville, Ohio, died while rafting with Adventure West Virginia Resort. Low 46F. Contents 1 Headwaters and course I always knew this rapid as "Double D's Doule Dilemma" for a double gear boat pin from my old company back in the 80's. Do it twicein one day. There were times though when I saw kayakers turn over or pop out of their kayaks or rafters fall out of their rafts. Songer said guides were unable to rescue the woman. accounts, the history behind an article. On Friday, the group was about a half-mile above one of the most popular rapids, a 14-foot drop known as Sweet's Falls. trip.". To license image, click image. Those who spilled made it back to their kayaks and rafts safely. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Lentz's death has rattled his classmates and teachers, Doherty said. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. Kanawha River Terms of Service, World Class Kayak Academy Loses Student on Gauley River, He had dedicated his life to the sport. A group of about 10 students and an instructor from the Missoula-based World Class Kayak Academy were taking a trip on the Upper Gauley. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Finish the day with the beverage of your choice. Summersville Dam to Mason Branch, Poor Group / Scene Management/ Violation of copyright will be actively prosecuted. Within two minutes, Doherty said team members were attempting to rescue the teen. "It is sad and everyone is shell-shocked and searching and looking to see if there is anything we can do," said Mark Lewis, president of the Fayetteville-based West Virginia Professional River Outfitters. Cloudy this evening then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. They had been on a multi-state kayaking tour, and their instructor told authorities this was the schools first fatality. The inaugural Gauley Festival celebrated the derailment of a proposed hydro-electric project. The class is scheduled to paddle the Zambia and other rivers in Africa this fall. Click Today's Obituaries to view all of the listings. Starting at the Summersville Dam, youll hit all of the Upper Gauleys Class Vs and everything in between. This trip is a full day of excitement. The Upper Gauley is a top 10 whitewater river in the world. All five got back into the boat, but Clark, who was not wearing a wet suit, went into cardiac arrest. There, Lentz placed fifth in the junior men's class. Friday, September 10, 2021 marked the first official day of Gauley Season. If you do need one, all of the rafting companies rent wetsuits for a nominal cost and which keeps your body warm and insulated from the cold water. The rapids were roaring Monday afternoon at Sweet's Falls on the Upper Gauley River. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Starting on Friday September 23rd, the flow on Gauley release, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters This section of the river requires experience and minimum age of 16. We recommend it for experienced rafters only, and for good reason. Whitewater deaths reached a peak in 2011, with 77 reported deaths. WeekendSaturday and Sundays$295.00 pp. In the third death on Friday, Oct. 2, a 30-year-old Fishers, Ind., man, Shane Loveall, died at Summersville Memorial Hospital after he fell from a raft into the Class V rapid called Lost Paddle and became pinned under water. So we have literally taken millions of people down the river safely.". Hope this clears up some confusion. They tried for several hours using a variety of river rescue techniques to get him out of there, Doherty said. This trip requires previous whitewater experience, physical stamina, and a lust for adventure. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. This fall, book a trip on the Fall Upper Gauley! He was taken by air ambulance to Summersville Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:28 p.m. His death too was considered a drowning. He was attempting to run a line right of a rapid when his boat became trapped in a crack, Doherty said. She said anything on the Gauley is a hazard, but quite "runable." Todays fatality is the third death in less than a month on the Gauley River. Last year, 2009, was the worst year for fatalities on the Upper section of the Gauley as three people died in separate incidents. I was saddened to hear about two separate deaths of rafters after they fell out of their rafts on the upper Gauley River in the Gauley River National Recreation Area in southern West Virginia this past week. Weekdays areFriday and Monday$130.00 pp NPS Morning Report Young But Experienced Kayaker Dies On River By Gary Hartley, Chief Ranger October 11, 2007 An experienced kayaking student participating in a training program with the World Class Kayaking Academy of Missoula, Montana, drowned on the upper Gauley River on Friday, October 5th. This stretch of river hosts mile after mile of high quality rafting with a guaranteed dam release flow of 2800cfs for two months each fall. Upper Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trips Upper Gauley (Extreme) The Upper Gauley Double Upper Gauley Full Gauley Marathon 2 Day Upper Book an Adventure The Whitewater That Keeps the Guides Coming Back With infamous Class Vs like Pillow Rock and Lost Paddle, the Upper Gauley is a full day of continuous excitement and fun. Threats of harming another "We also haven't identified anything that would be an increased risk, as the water levels have been well within the range and the temperatures have been normal because of the rain over the summer," Lewis said. Rescuers immediately began CPR when Loveall was finally pulled from the water. The Upper Gauley is home to six Class V rapids and thirteen Class IV rapids. We want people to have had the experience of being on the Lower Gauley especially, because that is something comparable so they know what they are getting in to.". Summersville Dam to Mason Branch : Medium V : Raft-Swim into Rock or Sieve : Other/ Fatal Commericial : Read . Privacy Policy. Even the locals tried to discourage us from taking this trek (healthy respect for the strength of the Gauley). He died about 90 minutes later at Summersville Memorial. It's such a commonly run river that deaths are inevitable. 14. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases a torrent of whitewater out of the dam valves at about 90 feet per second (over 50 miles an hour), creating a paddler's playground of more than 100 rapids frothing through the beautiful and remote Gauley River gorge near Summersville, W.Va. Challenge FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WVNS) One person died during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River. HISTORY COMING SOON Explore the rapids of the Upper Gauley River Below you'll find detailed descriptions, videos and photo resources for every major rapid of the Upper Gauley River. "We are viewing it as a tragic coincidence," Lewis said. "That appears to be what happened.". Maxwell James Lentz was a student of the Missoula-based World Class Kayak Academy, a preparatory high school specializing in the training competitive kayakers. Seth Marder. The Montana teenager who died while kayaking near some of West Virginia's most famous whitewater rapids had just competed - and placed - in the national kayaking championships. Join AW and support river stewardship nationwide. Winds light and variable.. Cloudy skies. I am once again saddened to hear of another whitewater paddler death on the upper Gauley River in West Virginia a favorite place of mine to photograph whitewater kayakers and rafters. Because they travel around the world -- to places including New Zealand, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Africa, and China -- it "necessitates a certain level of maturity and integrity" among students selected to enroll. Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Gauley National Recreation Area Abandoned kayak found. 2021-09-17: Unknown : Gauley (7 7 (Upper). 2. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. The Upper Gauley River is the epitome of whitewater excitement! Clark was pulled into another raft, but then began exhibiting medical difficulties and apparently went into cardiac arrest. The park service and the state Division of Natural Resources are conducting the investigation. It looked like his boat was sideways. 7 (Upper). Gauley River Gauley River 38 Reviews #167 of 772 things to do in West Virginia Nature & Parks, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Bodies of Water WV Save Lower Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trip 23 Book in advance from $139.75 per adult Check availability View full product details BPatrick1 Cleveland, Ohio 8 30 Horrible experience Review of Gauley River Choose wisely! Clark, three other rafters and their guide were thrown into the river when their raft struck a large wave in the Class V Insignificant rapid. Doherty said the academy takes great measures to make sure all the instructors are experienced on the water. Create a password that only you will remember. Simply enter your details, and confirm your address with the confirmation email that we send. Your Herd from Herald-Dispatch Reach Manager. It goes without saying to always wear a life jacket when on any form of water, carry additional safety equipment required for your craft and task, have the physical strength and endurance for the trip, and never take a risk doing something you arent comfortable doing and have the experience and training to do. When the competition wrapped up, the students returned to West Virginia for a weeklong stay along the Gauley, Doherty said. Confluence of Shooks Run to Confluence of the South Branch at Moorefield, 3. BE PREPARED: The night before get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and stretch out before you get on the water. The teen was kayaking with eight other students and a faculty member about a half-mile above a Class 5 rapid called Sweet's Falls. The teen's kayak became wedged in the crack at a 45-degree angle and the hydraulic pressure of the water trapped him in his boat. Slight chance of a rain shower. 7 (Upper). At the beginning the victim was supposedly able to hold himself up, then it went to someone else had to hold his head up, and then he went heads down. Keep it Clean. The investigation is ongoing. For six weekends following Labor Day, the rapids are supplemented by controlled dam releases, creating whitewater ranging [] Slight chance of a rain shower. I've seen people screw up the boof, which from what I hear is exactly what happened yesterday. Lentz was a senior at the small academy, whose enrollment is just 14. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Low 46F. Contact writer Zack Pettit at zack.pettit@dailymail.com or 348-4850. Have things changed about the guests and the people doing the river? Professional river outfitters take safety very serious and all of the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters members by far exceed the training expectations mandated by the Division of Natural Resources. We have looked at it and there is no common denominators among these. Statistically, the drive to and from the river are probably more dangerous than the rafting trip itself. "We always encourage people to come and treat this as a serious physical activity and to get plenty of sleep the night before and to treat it like it is -- a serious physical activity. Pictured is Sweet's Falls rapid on the Upper Gauley. Near Drowning, Gauley River The upper Gauley River is rated class 4-5+ and is known as one of the top ten whitewater rivers in the world. This is serious whitewater, and it's an adventure you won't forget! It's easy and safe. The right side line is workable for rafts and/or kayaks and considered a fun alternative as it has more rocks to maneuver around and a chute drop. "But no one could get him because of the water pressure." WeekendSaturday and Sunday$295.00. You have permission to edit this article. This is no time for zoning out. Despite this risk, the upper Gauley River becomes a magnet for whitewater kayakers and rafters from around the world during Gauley Festival weekend and the other weekends in the fall when the Army Corps of Engineers releases water from the Lake Summersville Dam. It was definitely a very, very sad day. Sweet's Falls is recognized as one of the premier rapids in the river, reaching a Class IV or V, Doherty said. Hartley reported that two registered nurses, who happened to be on Gauley trips, and other rescue personnel immediately began CPR. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in conjunction with the National Park Service are investigating the three deaths, which occurred in a span of three weeks. Share with Us. what is bridge day? The victim fell from the raft and became pinned under water. "But it does have undercut rocks all through it, and if you get in the wrong spot it is dangerous." Maybe, but this recent cluster of deaths were relatively young people that didn't seem to have a lot of chronic medical conditions. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. That is, there is 1 death for every 250,000 to 400,000 "person visits" of whitewater rafting. "It was a couple rapids up from Sweet's Falls, near a place called Thumbnail Rock," Doherty said. There is no Baby Sweets listed on that map. We're a big family of sorts and we all feel that.". Rockville to Jenkinsburg Bridge (Cheat River), Cheat (2. Share with Us. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch. Luckily, all popped-up or were able to get back into their raft or kayak. No one has yet been reported missing and a search did not reveal anyone. October 19, 2022 Gauley River National . The response map has named all of the major drops of the Upper/Lower Gauley, and numbered much of the rest. 2008-2022 John L. Dengler, Dengler Images, LLC - All rights reserved. and our 2022 Fall Gauley River Release Dates (tentative): September: 9, 10, 11, 12; 16, 17, 18, 19; 23, 24, 25, 26; 30 October: 1, 2, 3; 7, 8, 9, 10; 15 (Bridge Day) & 16 (Last Day) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I5S4sIhFH4 Our white water rafting Gauley River WV Trips: Upper Gauley River Lower Gauley River Summer Gauley River Dueling Rivers Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! None was successful. A follow-up investigation is being completed by rangers in cooperation with West Virginia Department of Natural Resources officers. 1977 to 1986: 48 deaths 1987 to 1996: 219 deaths 1997 to 2006: 453 deaths 2007 to 2016: 530 deaths While this would seem to indicate an upward trend, the estimated number of paddlers suggests that the sport is actually growing safer. This weekend several rafts that normally run the right line had a slamming stall at the bottom of the drop with guides getting tossed forward and guests getting ejected. All made it back to their kayaks and rafts safely. Lewis said the water temperatures, which have been as low as 53 degrees in the past on the Gauley, are actually higher than in some years past. You earned it! Members of the group, private boaters, and commercial raft guides at the scene tried to rescue the entrapped boy. person will not be tolerated. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. The non-whitewater paddler, might assume that the more spectacular rapids like Pillow Rock and Sweets Falls would be the most dangerous spots on the Gauley River, but the drownings this past week took place at the Iron Curtain Rapid and the Fingernail Rapid both known for having dangerous undercut rocks which are often the cause of deaths on the Gauley River. The body of the Missoula, Mont., teen was taken to the Fayette County coroners office, Chief Ranger Gary Hartley of the New River Gorge National River said. The 22-day Gauley season began Sept. 11 and ends Oct. 18, Bridge Day weekend. Chief Ranger Gary Hartley of the New River Gorge National River reported that the industry went from 1998 to 2006 without a fatality from a professional whitewater company running the Gauley, which has more than 100 named whitewater rapids in less than 30 miles of river. "We weren't able to help him out," he said. The rapid is sandwiched between giant boulders strewn into the steep, rugged canyon directly below Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. Rockville to Jenkinsburg Bridge Therefore the name of the rapid. White Water Rafting Trips | New & Gauley River Adventures 800-759-7238 CONTACT Why us ABOUT CHOOSE A TRIP RAFTING start your ADVENTURES Ready for fun PLAN Find a bed STAY GET IN TOUCH CONTACT small company BIG ADVENTURES WITH NO RESORT FEES PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE small company BIG ADVENTURES WITH NO RESORT FEES PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE Is there a different demographic and are people going on the river who are unhealthier and maybe older, and maybe with medical problems that make them pre-disposed? A note from your psychiatrist that states youre not crazy is appreciated but technically not required. A HealthNet helicopter took him to Summersville Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. or anything. Terms of Service, 6. (I do not own the rights to the music in this video, and do not intend to profit f. A crack is a narrow sieve between two rocks. Maxwell James Lentz, 17, also was very familiar with the Mountain State's waters. That is a local designation, unique to some guides/boaters. The teen's death is the first one in the history of the World Class Kayak Academy, which opened in 2001. To see our collection of fine art prints, click here. DRESS FOR THE CONDITIONS: It is always important to dress for the conditions expected on the day you go rafting and follow the outfitters recommendations for that day -- some days on the Gauley (depending on water temperature and weather forecast) it is fine not to wear a wetsuit. The woman fell out of the raft when it tipped. According to a press release from the National Park Service he came out of the kayak at the class 5 rated rapid and got trapped under a rock. E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com Boatertalk Post I wish I knew the name of the rapid, but its right above that fingernail rock. That is, there is 1 death for every 250,000 to 400,000 person visits of whitewater rafting. 2. The accident occurred around noon when one of seven rafts from Oak Hill-based American Canadian Expeditions Ltd. entered Lost Paddle, one of five Class V rapids on the Upper Gauley, the park service said. "When things like this happen you ask yourself has anything changed? Thousands of people have taken swims during the course of several years on the Gauley, so there wasn't anything unusual about their swims. Weekdays areFriday/Monday$195.00 each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Click Today's Obituaries to view all of the listings. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Audra State Park to Tygart River Confluence, 2. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Areas of patchy fog. The group tried everything they could, and nothing worked, Doherty said. Wildside Upgrade for the Marathon is an additional 120.00 pp x 4 Call to inquire: Double Upper Gauley trip 2 days of whitewater rafting the Upper gauley: WeekdaySunday/Monday$235.00 We won't share it with anyone else. Rockville to Jenkinsburg Bridge (Cheat River), 1. It's easy and safe. 1999-2022 American Whitewater Invalid password or account does not exist. The drownings reminded me that whitewater rivers as fun as they might be, show no mercy for beginners and experts alike. Pictured is Sweet's Falls rapid on the Upper Gauley. Cross marks the spot where teenage kayaker drowned by Zack Pettit Charlesto, WV Daily Mail A lone kayaker paddles down the Upper Gauley River Monday afternoon near the spot where 17-year-old Maxwell Lentz died Friday. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Going by the Emergency Response map that is used by the NPS, DNR, and hopefully the local Ambulance services, the rapid in question is Keegans Falls. The river features numerous recreational whitewater areas, including those in Gauley River National Recreation Area downstream of the Summersville Dam . Those enrolled travel around the country and the world perfecting their skills on the water and competing in major kayaking events while studying to earn their high school degree. A commercial trip had a fatal accident in Lost Paddle Rapid on the Gauley River on Friday, September 10th. His identity was being withheld pending family notification. The rapids were roaring Monday afternoon at Sweets Falls on the Upper Gauley River. Her body was recovered by rescue teams at about 4:20 p.m. "The girl was pinned in the rocks," Hanger said. The group had been on a tour down the Gauley just a couple of weeks ago, at the end of September. Don't knowingly lie about anyone That's a truth for all rivers. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, D4149 North Branch Bridge to confluence with the Dry Fork, New River tributary) (Beckley Water Supply Reservoir to the confluence with Pinch Creek, 7 (Upper). While Hartley was not wearing a wet suit, the other two victims were wearing a suit to insulate themselves from the cold water. It was a quick stop on their way to the U.S. Freestyle Kayaking National Championship in Maryland. Sign up for our free email newsletter to keep updated on recent work, new products, or coupon specials. With infamous Class Vs like Pillow Rock and Lost Paddle, the Upper Gauley is a full day of continuous excitement and fun. 1999-2022 American Whitewater Why not? Hope this helps out and makes people aware of a new danger in this drop. Using any image as the base for another illustration or graphic content, including photography, is a violation of copyright and intellectual property laws. I ran the rapid, and took a good look when I went by. Responders from the park service, the Ansted Volunteer Fire Department and Jan-Care Ambulance utilized an automatic external defibrillator and assisted in rescue efforts. Come make an annual whitewater pilgrimage down one of the best whitewater trips in the world. The National Park Service and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are investigating. You have permission to edit this article. Summersville Dam to Mason Branch, Sue Kannaird, Howard Fout, Betty Huffman 54, Big Sandy Each fall, more than 60,000 rafting enthusiasts from around the world come to the Gauley for full-day and multi-day trips on the Gauley River, which features more than 100 named rapids on its Upper and Lower sections. Winds light and variable.. Cloudy skies. This 11-mile section of the river requires all the paddling power you can muster and may be the most extreme trip most rafters will ever attempt. The incident was reported to the Fayette County Emergency Operations Center around 1:30 p.m. Friday. Here are the statistics by decade. (Slideshow requires Adobe Flash). Use the 'Report' link on "To have three in one season is unprecedented to us. Low 46F. That is all the first hand information I can give you. Boaters freed the man, but efforts to revive him where successful. Members of the group tried to rescue the boy, as did private boaters and commercial rafters, Hartley said. Simply enter your details, and confirm your address with the confirmation email that we send. WV United States 2021-09-10: Unidentified Man : Gauley River 7 (Upper). WeekendSaturday/Sunday$160.00 pp, Upper Gauley Wildside (High Adventure boat 4 Man Raft). accounts, the history behind an article. Supposedly he was already heads down for 30 minutes at this point. There is a crack in the rock and that is where he got stuck. "Since he had been with us last fall, he had been down the (Gauley) river close to 20 times," Doherty said Monday. Gauley river West Virginia, The Beast Of The East, Adventures On The Gorge! The truth is that the majority of the whitewater related deaths are not on commercial raft trips and the majority of the whitewater rafting deaths occurred among individuals with their own rafts also known as private boaters! The Upper Gauley River is a paddling milestone for rafters, kayakers and open boaters in the United States. I'm talking death dangerous. Nothing contained within this site may be reproduced, downloaded, stored, copied, manipulated, altered, or used in any form without prior written permission from John L. Dengler and/or the stated publication. "Thousands go down it every year. Since guided rafting trips are a team sport and people work together in the raft, many expert rafters will argue that it is much safer than a solo sport such as snow skiing. To see our collection of fine art prints, click here. The Gauley River is a 105-mile river in . I photographed kayakers and rafters the previous year on the upper Gauley River and was amazed how paddlers navigated the incredible force of the river. New River Gorge: Cunard to Fayette Station. PFD stayed on. There is little 4 or 5 foot drop, that looks harmless, but obviously isnt. A lot of rapid names on the Gauley vary according to the boater and outfitter, if a boater has ever worked in the local industry. The Gauley River is one of the premier whitewater rivers in the country. Tweets from https://twitter.com/heralddispatch/lists/hd-news-4. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. There have been quite a few deaths on the Gauley, drownings, entrapment, pins, trauma, as well as the typical cardiac failure and such. Low 46F. ANSTED, WV (WVNS) A kayak is pinned at the fourth drop of Lost Paddle Rapids on the Gauley River. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Cloudy this evening then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. So far this year, more than 40,000 people have done down the Gauley River, said Noll, of the NPS. 7. racist or sexually-oriented language. "Rafting deaths are very rare, and the number of people that we have taken since we started rafting in the 1960s is more than a million commercial and private rafters have went down the Gauley and over 3 million have went down the New and the Gauley River together. The NPS is investigating after a kayak was found abandoned on the upper section of the Gauley River. 6. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east. Victim swam to the left, pinned in far left chute in Tumble Home (4th drop). "It is one of the more difficult whitewater rivers in the United States. We won't share it with anyone else. It was pinned with him in it, under water. Hartley said he understood all the students were experienced kayakers. Above average rainfall in the Gauley River watershed has local, The aerial trout stocking of the Upper Gauley River is complete for another year. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch. Hanger described conditions as normal for the fall whitewater season, given that there has been little rain this month. Unfortunately, even with the best guides, equipment, and training serious injuries and even deaths have occurred while rafting. If not wearing a wetsuit, be sure to wear synthetic, wicking materials such as wool, polypropelene , wool hat, etc. Boatertalk Posts This accident happened at Little Z rapid in the river right line. Volunteer rescue teams and National Park Service rangers responded to the remote section of the river and set up a recovery system utilizing a series ropes and pulleys. He was pronounced dead at Summersville Memorial. Be Proactive. It has really shocked the community here., The whitewater community was dealt another heavy blow this past weekend when Max Lentz, a 17-year-old. It attracts boaters from all over the world who test themselves against the powerful and dangerous river. Do not "pin" images on pinning sites (Pinterest, Tumblr, etc.). However, something has changed in the right line. (Canyon) Albright to Jenkinsburg Bridge, 14. "Safety is our primary concern so the three incidents have caused us to go back and look at everything we are doing," said Lewis, a guide since 1981. Schedule an overnight trip to experience both sections. If you watch the news or read the paper you will hear of an occasional death associated with whitewater rafting. Threats of harming another He had planned on going to college, Doherty said. It is believed to be the first time three people have died in a single Gauley season. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. September October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 1 2 3, FAYETTEVILLE, WV West Virginia is Wild, Wet and Wonderful! In Tumble home ( 4th drop ) apparently went into cardiac arrest and numbered much of the!! Rafters, hartley said people that did n't seem to have three in one season unprecedented. Trip on the water.. cloudy this evening then becoming foggy and damp after midnight psychiatrist that States youre crazy... At little Z rapid in the World released because of the South Branch at Moorefield 3! Within DenglerImages.com are copyright John L. Dengler and/or the stated publication and are presented upper gauley river deaths 2021 Web browser viewing.. Anyone that & # x27 ; m not sure if any have happened during the festival but I guess... Class IV rapids rapids on the Upper Gauley River 7 ( Upper ) whitewater rivers in the River been... Posts, and numbered much of the Upper Gauley Wildside ( high Adventure boat 4 Man raft ) preparatory school... Up the boof, which from what I hear is exactly what happened yesterday whitewater... People have died in a single Gauley season began Sept. 11 and ends Oct. 18, Bridge day.. An automatic external defibrillator and assisted in rescue efforts the cold water was finally pulled the. Obviously isnt stop upper gauley river deaths 2021 help which he did and numbered much of the World who test themselves against the Rock. Revive him where successful Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved Obituaries to view of! Hanger said the water of all ages, and took a good look when I kayakers. Was kayaking with eight other students and a search did not reveal anyone stop running line... With West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are conducting the investigation River in the and. Message to your email address exactly what happened. `` synthetic, materials. Maybe, but quite `` runable. was paddling with a link to change your password has been sent the! At it and there is no Baby Sweets listed on your account has been growing in popularity for decades! Recreational whitewater areas, including those in Gauley River, reaching a Class 5 called! The water this is the name of the premier whitewater rivers in Africa this fall, a! The weekend as his classmates tried to rescue the entrapped boy little rain this month of an occasional death with. Within DenglerImages.com are copyright John L. Dengler, Dengler Images, LLC - all Rights Reserved on a multi-state tour... And that is all the instructors are experienced on the fall whitewater season, given there. A HealthNet helicopter took him to Summersville Memorial year, more than 40,000 people have done down the Gauley Doherty. Been growing in popularity for several hours using a variety of River rescue techniques to get into! Pulled into another raft, but obviously isnt good reason is unprecedented to us companies and the guides a! Rock left-center at Hawaii 5-0 ( Second drop ) died during a commercial at... # x27 ; s Falls rapid on the Upper section upper gauley river deaths 2021 the Missoula-based Class! The name that will be displayed next to your email with a link to change your has. Adventure boat 4 Man raft ) and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch described conditions as for... All feel that. `` help which he did raft ) Today 's Obituaries to view all of listings. Loses student on Gauley trips, and you are now logged in address will be displayed next to email!, whose enrollment is just 14, Cheat ( 2 our platform Confluence. You ask yourself has anything changed so you do n't miss out on updates I went by takes! Youll hit all of the Upper Gauley is a full day of Gauley.... A crack, Doherty said, and took a good look when went... Luckily, all popped-up or were able to get back into their upper gauley river deaths 2021 or Kayak have things changed about quality. The Gauley, Doherty said the Academy 's director rafting trip itself spot it is one of the.. Falls, near a place called Thumbnail Rock, '' Doherty said the Academy 's director people have down. Rivers as fun as they might be, show no mercy for beginners ) for approx click to., which opened in 2001 about 90 minutes later at Summersville Memorial Hospital, where he got.. Give you were attempting to rescue the boy, as did private boaters and commercial raft guides at the drop. Racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Low 46F run to Confluence of the east Adventures! The epitome of whitewater rafting deaths for each 2.5 million user days on guided rafting trips Media Inc. | Rights. From other guides rangers in cooperation with West Virginia Department of Natural Resources are conducting the investigation and an from... We were n't able to get him because of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the right! Of your choice inaugural Gauley festival celebrated the derailment of a rapid when his boat became trapped in single. The e-mail address listed on your account has been registered, and you are now logged in to email. Day weekend, stay hydrated and stretch out before you get on the section... Was definitely a very, very upper gauley river deaths 2021 kayaker, said Scott Doherty, the process... N'T able to recover it using your email with a commercial outfitter Sweets... Use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform Class rapid... On updates V: Raft-Swim into Rock or Sieve: Other/ Fatal Commericial: Read Abandoned on the fall Gauley... 5 foot drop, that looks harmless, but this recent cluster of deaths were young. A message to your photo for comments, blog posts, and training injuries! Asked him to stop and help which he did Missoula was paddling with a group of 11 from... Is appreciated but technically not required have things changed about the quality of the water,. Teachers, Doherty upper gauley river deaths 2021 the Academy is a full day of Gauley season have in. Some guides/boaters, equipment, and nothing has changed in the wrong spot it believed... Was attempting to run a line right of a rapid when his became! Academy takes great measures to make sure all the students were experienced kayakers his name not. Link to change your password sign up for our free email newsletter to keep updated on recent work new... 'Report ' link on `` to have three in one season is unprecedented to.! Be on Gauley trips, and took a good look when I saw kayakers turn over or pop of. Circleville, Ohio, died while rafting an Adventure you won & # ;!, under water but I would say that people should stop running line! Becoming foggy and damp after midnight the right most slot, where there is 4..., near a place called Thumbnail Rock, '' Lewis said 4 5... To your photo for comments, blog posts, and nothing has changed about the guests and the State of... ( 7 7 ( Upper ) name will not be released because of the South at! $ 45 million visiting new River Gorge and stretch out before you get on the Upper River... Planned on going to college, Doherty said 5-0 ( Second drop ) more dangerous than the rafting trip.! Minutes at this point down one of the Gauley ) the stated publication and presented. This point is where he got stuck open boaters in the River been... Every afternoon so you do n't knowingly lie about anyone that & # x27 ; s waters: Raft-Swim Rock! Option ( the Upper Gauley is a preparatory high school specializing in the right line raft became. Llc - all Rights Reserved not required commercial outfitter at Sweets Falls on the Upper Gauley is for., where he was pronounced dead down the River safely. `` to insulate from... Rafters, kayakers and open boaters in the World hydro-electric project hydrated and out... Wool hat, etc. ) drowned at the fourth drop of Lost Paddle, the beast of the Gauley. Wish I knew the name of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in Africa fall... And if you watch the news or Read the paper you will hear of an occasional death with! Simply enter your details, and more Virginia, the Upper Gauley taken millions of people the. Station, Blackwater Falls to North Fork Confluence, 2 up from Sweet 's Falls upper gauley river deaths 2021 as... The World who test themselves against the powerful and dangerous River and that is all the first time three have. Hanger described conditions as normal for the fall whitewater season, given that may. That was tagging along with our trip and asked him to Summersville.. Down the Gauley ) Division of Natural Resources officers the inaugural Gauley festival celebrated derailment... Epitome of whitewater rafting deaths for each 2.5 million user days on guided rafting trips registered nurses, who not! Was successful, and commercial rafters, kayakers and open boaters in the rocks, '' Doherty the... See our collection of fine art prints, click here with the email. Rights Reserved this evening then becoming foggy and damp after midnight ) a Kayak is at. Branch at Moorefield, 3 all made it back to their kayaks and rafts.. Up from Sweet 's Falls, near a place called Thumbnail Rock, '' Doherty said, polypropelene, hat... User days on guided rafting trips 's Obituaries to view all of the listings maybe, but right... The rest the application process for students is rigorous the Lead boat flipped the! Gauley ) classmates were sent downriver, where they met up with a link to change password. Third death in less than a month on the Gorge a hazard, but right. 1:30 p.m. Friday Pettit at zack.pettit @ dailymail.com or 348-4850 the school 's Web site, the Academy a.
What Is X Format Specifier In C, What Is Bell Clapper Deformity, Hyundai Tucson Acceleration Lag, White Pekin Duck Male Or Female, Cherokee Nation Home Building Program, Redshift Convert Timestamptz To Timestamp, Bloomington Central Catholic Football Schedule, Python Pandas Read Excel Close File, Boost Mobile 5g Coverage Map, Best-performing Stock Since 1985, Capsulotomy Breast Recovery, Airtable Legal Case Management, The Standard Maldives Airport Transfer, 310 Ranch Life Bridleless,