On June 8, 1998 there was a drowning on the Pilar Run of New Mexico’s Rio Grande River . A young man paddling a sit-on-top kayak flipped at Albert Falls and became tangled in a line. He was dragged over a mile through Herringbone Rapid and The Narrows before his partner could get to him. His partner, assisted by a commercial guide, began CPR. In a bizarre twist, the victim had apparently been denied access by a BLM ranger because he did not have a throw bag. He went to his car and returned with some rope stuffed in a mesh bag and was allowed to put on. It's not known if this was the same rope that he got tangled in.
SOURCE: Steve Harris, Far Flung Adventures
ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Loose lines pose a real danger to whitewater paddlers, and they should make every effort to see that all rope is tightly and snugly stowed.
From: Roger Lynn [mailto:rogerlynn@sprintmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 1998 9:42 PM
Subject: Two deaths on the Rio Grande, NM The past week was witness to two deaths on the Rio Grande. A lone kayaker (hardshell or inflateable?) was found floating on the Race Course or Pilar run. ....... Any more info is appreciated since future similar mistakes may be prevented. My condolences go out to the victims families.
On June 8 there was an incident on the Pilar Run of the Rio Grande in New Mexico. A young man paddling a sit-on-top kayak flipped at Albert Falls and became tangled in a line. Outfitter Steve Harris of Far Flung Adventures reports that he was dragged over a mile through Herringbone and The Narrows before his partner could get to him. His partner, assisted by a commercial guide, began CPR. In a bizarre twist, the victim had apparently been denied access by a BLM ranger because he did not have a throw bag. He went to his car and returned with some rope stuffed in a mesh bag and was allowed to put on. It's not known if this was the same rope.
