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 #421

River: Elkhorn Creek
Location: Jim Beam Distillery Dam (5' high)
Water Level: Medium
Difficulty: VI
Accident Code(s): Lowhead Dam
Injury Code(s): Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal
Age: 16
Experienced/Inexperienced: Inexperienced
Private/Commercial: Private
Boat Type: Raft
Boat Model: Inner Tube
Number of Occupants: 1
Number in Group: 3
Number of Victims: 1
Hazard Codes: Hydraulic/Keeper Hole
Detailed Description:

DESCRIPTION: On June 16, 1996 at around three high school students floating the river in inner tubes approached the 5' high dam at the Jim Beam distillery on Elkhorn Creek. The river, located just outside of Lexington, Kentucky , is a delightful Class I-II. Two of the boys had second thoughts and carried; the third ran the right side and was immediately trapped. His body was found three days later, over two miles downstream.

 

 

SOURCE: Cecil Tickameyer, posting to rec.boats paddle

 

Conclusions:

ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) The hydraulics around dams are deceptively dangerous. Summer high water always brings out inexperienced floaters who do not recognize the danger that dams pose.

 

Report Status: Completed