Accident Database: Accident #278

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River: Musconetcong River
Reach #:
Musconetcong [NJ]
low
01h17m
Section: Dam at Riegelsville
Water Level: Medium
Difficulty: VI
Accident Code(s): Lowhead Dam
Injury Code(s): Fatal
Age: 29
Private/Commercial: Private
Boat Type: Open Canoe
Number of Occupants: 3
Number in Group: 3
Number of Victims: 1
Hazard Codes: Blast rock, Low Head Dam, High Water, Hydraulic/Keeper Hole, Man-made Debris Strainer, Pin/Broach, Rocks that cause blunt trauma, Natural Strainer or Sieve, Water Temp, Waterfall
Initial Report:

DAMS CLAIMS TWO JERSEY PADDLERS

May 21, 1989: Muscoenetcong River, N.J. Louis Gelato, 29, paddling with two friends in a 17 foot canoe, drowned after an attempted run of a dam near Riegelsville. All three were caught in the reversal; one was pronounced dead at the scene after being washed one mile downstream; another companion was hospitalized in critical condition two days later.

Source: Appalachian Mountain Club (NJ) "Paddle Splashes"

COMMENTS: This incident further illustrates the danger of low-head dams.

Report Status: Completed
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