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 #720

River: Kennebec
Section: Gorge
Location: Big Mamma to Magic Falls
Gauge: 6800
Water Level: Medium
Difficulty: IV
Accident Code(s): Heart Attack
Injury Code(s): Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal
Experienced/Inexperienced: Inexperienced
Private/Commercial: Commercial
Boat Type: Raft
Number of Occupants: 3
Number of Victims: 1
Initial Report: A local Maine man fell out of his raft while paddling the Kennebec River Gorge in early July. This is one of the premier big-water runs in the Northeast. The New England Paddler?s Message Board had these facts: The river was flowing at a moderate 6800 cfs. The man fell out in "Big Mama" and floated until he was pulled to shore in the pool above "Magic Falls". He suffered a heart attack during the swim, and died despite aggressive efforts by commercial and private boaters on the scene to save him. Some of my most strenuous river experiences have been swims. If you have hidden heart problems I guarantee that a long big-water swim is likely to uncover them! CW
Report Status: Completed