Accident Database: Accident #133
| River: | Shawangunk Kill River |
| Water Level: | Low |
| Difficulty: | VI |
| Accident Code(s): | Lowhead Dam |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 20 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Inexperienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Number of Occupants: | 1 |
| Number in Group: | 2 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Hazard Codes: | Hydraulic/Keeper Hole |
| Detailed Description: | On April 5, 1987 Ben Hegner decided to try a section of the Shawangunk Kill River near their home. Neither man had paddled it, but the river had a low gradient and seemed to be within their capabilities. At the site of a dam Mr, Hegner decided to run while his friend carried. He got stuck in the hydraulic and could not get out. His partner could not reach him from shore with a throw line. He paddled out below the boil line but still could not get close enough. He decided to get help from a nearby house. Rescue squads arrived in 5-10 minutes and found Mr. Hegner out of his boat, recirculating helplessly in the hole. After the fifth recirculation he flushed out. His partner jumped into the river, grabbed him, and pulled him ashore. Rescuers applied CPR and transported him to a nearby hospital. At first Mr. Hegner responded well, but he ultimately slipped away. Source: Patty-Sue Bundt |
| Conclusions: | Dams are decptively dangerous. Thes young men were skilled rock and ice climbers in college and considered very safety conscious outdoorsmen. But Mr. Hegner clearly did not know what he was getting into. Local officials have posted signs here to prevent further accidents. |
| Report Status: | Completed |