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Accident Database: Accident #318

River: Kings
Section: 4. Pine Flat Dam to Centerville (Route 180)
Water Level: Medium
Difficulty: II
Accident Code(s): Tree Pin
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: Open Canoe
Number of Victims: 1
Detailed Description:

CANOEIST PINS ON TREE, TRAPPING PADDLER

 

Lower Kings River below Pine Flat Dam: May 29, 1993

 

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION: The Lower Kings River below Pine Flat Dam is a popular fast-moving float trip. The victim, Amadeus Ramirez, 20, was paddling a tandem canoe which broached against a tree growing from the center of the river. He became pinned underwater, between the canoe and the tree, and drowned. 

 

 

 

 

SOURCE: NORS Currents

Conclusions:

ANALYSIS: The area downstream of a swamped canoe is extremely dangerous, and this incident underscores the need to stay on the upstream side, or better yet, swim away from the boat.

Report Status: Completed