Accident Database: Accident #820
| River: | Rutherford Creek |
| Section: | Upper |
| Water Level: | High |
| Difficulty: | VI |
| Accident Code(s): | Head Injury (Hydraulic) |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 18 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Experienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Number of Occupants: | 1 |
| Number in Group: | 2 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Hazard Codes: | Hydraulic/Keeper Hole |
| Summary: | Matt Sheridan, 18, died on the upper section of British Columbia’s Rutherford Creek on July 30th. An expert kayaker, his runs have been featured in several issues of Lunch Video Magazine and he was known as “New School Matt”. Pat Keller reported to Boatertalk that he and Matt were very familiar with this run. After running the 35-foot falls they walked around “Portage Rapid” on river right to a seal launch spot just below. The landing looked nasty, and it was. Mr. Sheridan, 18, launched first, hit the wrong side of a shifting boil, and was carried upstream into an undercut cave. Here he was knocked over and probably hit his head. Mr. Keller got his rope, but slipped on the greasy rocks as he was setting up and landed in the water. After washing under a rock wall he was carried into the top of a Class V rapid. He quickly swam ashore and was heading back upriver when he saw Mr. Sheridan’s kayak float free, upside down, with him inside. The kayak got caught in a small ledge-hole. Mr. Keller swam out and attempted to grab the boat, but it pulsed free and washed into the Class V rapid below. Mr. Keller hurried downstream and spotted Mr. Sheridan’s kayak pinned in the crux of a big drop. Realizing the futility of further rescue efforts, he swam across the river, hiked out, and notifi ed authorities. The next morning Mr. Sheridan was found, still in his boat, washed up on a downstream rock. |
| Link: | http://boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk/440097 |
| Report Status: | Incomplete |