Accident Database

Report ID# 421

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  • Caught in Low Head Dam Hydraulic
  • Does not Apply
  • Other

Accident Description

DESCRIPTION: On June 16, 1996 at around

7 p.m.

three high school students floating the river in inner tubes approached the 5' high dam at the Jim Beam distillery on Elkhorn Creek. The river, located just outside of Lexington, Kentucky , is a delightful Class I-II. Two of the boys had second thoughts and carried; the third ran the right side and was immediately trapped. His body was found three days later, over two miles downstream.

SOURCE: Cecil Tickameyer, posting to rec.boats paddle

ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) The hydraulics around dams are deceptively dangerous. Summer high water always brings out inexperienced floaters who do not recognize the danger that dams pose.

 

On June 16 at 7 PM three high school students approached the 5' high dam at the Jim Beam distillery on Elkhorn Creek, just outside of Lexington, Kentucky. Except for the dam, this delightful class I-II creek is popular with beginners. Two of the boys had second thoughts and carried; the third ran the right side and was immediately trapped. His body was found three days later, over two miles downstream.

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