Accident Database

Report ID# 258

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  • Swim into Rock or Sieve
  • Other
  • Failed Rescue
  • High Water

Accident Description

On May 9, the New River in West Virginia was running at 13,000 cfs, a high spring level. Cheryl Taylor, a rafting guest with one of the New River 's most respected outfitters, fell out of her raft in Middle Keaney. She was washed into "Flint Rock" in Lower Keaney and became pinned solidly in a 12" wide crack. Despite rescue efforts by several rafting companies she could not be recovered in time to save her life. Three others who fell out were not injured and were recovered downstream.

Mrs. Taylor's husband sued the outfitter, Class VI river runners, unsuccessfully.

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