Accident Database

Report ID# 709

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  • PFD Not Worn or Present
  • Does not Apply
  • Cold Water
  • Inadequate Equipment
  • High Water
  • One Boat Trip

Accident Description

On April 11th David Golley, 19, disappeared on Chittenango Creek in Central New York State after a boat he was paddling with a friend capsized. Local kayakers joined the search of this Class III river as the water dropped from its previous high level. Pieces of the victim’s canoe were found. An (unidentified) article I received mentioned that the search had just finished its ninth day. I have no further details, and anyone who knows what happened is urged to contact AW.

Nancy Howells forwarded additional information on the drowning of David Golley on Chittenango Creek this past April 11th. He and a friend attempted a section of Class III below Chittenango Falls in an old wood-and canvas canoe. Water levels were high, and they wore no helmets, PFD's, or protective gear. They set their boat in the water and had one foot inside when the current grabbed the upstream end and dumped them. One made it to shore and flagged a motorist who dialed 911. A helicopter was in the area and spotted Mr. Golley, and followed him until turbulence forced it to pull away. Mr. Golley's father found the body a month later, after the water receded, caught in a river-wide strainer. CW

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