Old browser warning
Site look funky? Your browser is so old standards-based layouts and styling confuse it. Consider updating. One excellent option is Mozilla Firefox, versions of which are available for Linux, Mac and Windows.
Accident Database: Accident #2087
| River: | Gauley |
| Section: | 7 (Upper). Summersville Dam to Mason Branch |
| Location: | Warmup Rapid above lower access |
| Gauge: | 2800 cfsa |
| Water Level: | Medium |
| Difficulty: | IV |
| Accident Code(s): | Pin |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal |
| Age: | 0 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Experienced |
| Years Paddling: | >10 |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Raft |
| Boat Manufacturer: | |
| Boat Model: | Aire Puma |
| Number of Occupants: | 4 |
| Number in Group: | 4 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Other Victim Names: | |
| Hazard Codes: | Rocks that cause blunt trauma, Pin/Broach |
| Initial Report: | from the NPS Morning Report:
Gauley River National Recreation Area (WV)
Rafter Drowns In River Rapid
On the morning of September 11th, ranger Randy Fisher was flagged down by a kayaker at the Upper Gauley parking area and was advised that there was a rescue in progress somewhere near the Tailwaters put-in. Fisher and West Virginia conservation officers attempted to determine where the rescue was taking place along the nearly inaccessible river. During the search, rafters on scene were able to locate the victim - Benjamin Weaver, 30, of Vienna, West Virginia - and get him to the river bank.
Weaver was carried to an ambulance, where resuscitation efforts led to the restoration of his breathing. He was then taken to the Charleston Area Medical Center. An investigation revealed what had happened: One of Weaver's fellow rafters had fallen into the river at an entrance rapid. While those in the boat were attempting to retrieve him, it was swept into a large undercut rock, causing it to flip and spill everyone into the river. All the rafters but Weaver were flushed out from under the rock. He was caught there and held underwater for several minutes. Weaver remained unresponsive and in critical condition in the hospital until he succumbed to his injuries on September 29th.
Weaver was a chemical engineer for DuPont and a part-time raft guide. The incident occurred during one of the scheduled high water releases from the Summersville Dam for the Gauley whitewater season. A joint investigation by the National Park Service and West Virginia DNR continues.
[Submitted by Gary Hartley, Chief Ranger] |
| Summary: | |
| Detailed Description: | |
| Conclusions: | |
| Report Status: | On Going |
