Accident Database: Accident #12

River: Arkansas
Section: Numbers
Location: Numbers
Gauge: 2'
Water Level: Low
Difficulty: IV
Accident Code(s): Heart Attack
Injury Code(s): Fatal
Experienced/Inexperienced: Experienced
Private/Commercial: Commercial
Boat Type: Kayak - Unknown
Number of Occupants: 1
Number of Victims: 1
Detailed Description: Matt Gaines, a Georgia paddler participating in a commercial kayaking class, was an intermediate paddler with a "75% roll." He capsizin a hole and bailed out. A fellow student tried to help him by extending his bow grab loop, but his boat got caught between some rocks and Matt had to let go. He then apparently lost consciousness for reasons unknown. The group pulled him ashore and attempted CPR without success. They theorized that he may have died of a heart attack.
Report Status: Completed