Accident Database: Accident #603

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River: Spokane
Reach #:
Spokane [WA]
low
01h14m
Section: 2. Harvard Park to Mirabeau Park (Upper)
Location: Bowl and Pitcher Rapids
Gauge: 16700
Water Level: High
Difficulty: III
Accident Code(s): Equipment trap
Injury Code(s): Fatal
Age: 22
Experienced/Inexperienced: Inexperienced
Years Paddling: >10
Private/Commercial: Private
Boat Type: Raft
Boat Manufacturer:
Boat Model:
Number of Occupants: 4
Number in Group: 4
Number of Victims: 1
Other Victim Names:
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:

On June 13 Dusty Lane, a gifted track athlete in his early 20's, drowned while rafting the Spokane River in Washington State. Mick French reported to rec.boats.paddle that this large class II-III river was running high at 16,700 cfs. The water was very cold. Lane, who had been tubing, climbed into the raft because he was cold despite wearing a wetsuit. The three people in the raft had only one PFD between them, and alcohol may have been involved. When the boat flipped the others made it to shore. Lane was last seen floating downstream at Bowl and Pitcher Rapid. Inexperience, inadequate equipment, and lack of backup made the tragedy inevitable.

 

 

 

Summary:
Detailed Description:
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Report Status: On Going
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