On May 26, 1997 there was a fatal accident on Blacklick Creek, a Class III whitewater stream located north of Johnstown, PA. The river was running high after recent rains when two men, both experienced paddlers wearing life vests and helmets, attempted the run in an open canoe. They broached and flipped on a mid-stream rock, which threw them into the water. Since they were entering a calm section, they held onto their canoe. They were discussing what to do next when their boat hit a rock very hard. Both men were pummeled with such force that they had their helmets ripped off! One man made it to shore and began looking for his 56-year-old uncle. After a brief search he found him floating unconscious in the water. The survivor, a former EMT, pulled his uncle to shore and began CPR. It was, unfortunately, ineffective.

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Fish Commission 1997 accident recap

ANALYSIS:

1. (Walbridge)A one boat trip leaves no margin for error. American Whitewater’s minimum recommended party size is four people or two craft, whichever is more.

2. (PFC) Hypothermia may have played a role in this accident