The Beartrap Canyon of the Madison River near Innes, MT is a Class IV-V run. Randy Bellingham, 21, a very experienced Class V boater, tried the run on June 22, 1996. He flipped in “The Kitchen Sink”, a long Class V rapid, and hit his head hard. He cracked a heavy-duty Seda fiberglass helmet in three places and suffered a massive head injury.
SOURCE: Jim Hayes and Doug Purl, posting to rec.boats.paddle
ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Although head injuries are pretty rare, a good helmet is a must, especially on steep runs.
