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Accident Database: Accident #841
| River: | Black’s Run |
| Accident Code(s): | Long Swim (L.S.) |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 21 |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Open Canoe |
| Number of Occupants: | 3 |
| Number in Group: | 3 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Hazard Codes: | High Water |
| Summary: | Hurricanes mean high water, and this can provide challenging sport for skilled paddlers. But it’s another story when reckless thrill-seekers become involved. According to the Harrisonburg, Virginia’s Daily News-Record, three college students made a fast trip down Black’s Run just after midnight on September 19th. This tiny creek, which runs right through Harrisonburg, seldom has enough water to float a boat. The trio had a good first run, and decided to try it again. As before, they launched their canoe behind their home. But the water was rising, and they capsized at about 2:36 AM. Two men swam to shore safely, but a third did not. Rescuers were called out, but initially saw nothing but flood waters and darkness. At 7:30 that morning they found the body of Chris Ball, 21, in the creek. People at the memorial service remembered the dead man as a charismatic athlete and leader who “lived his life in a flash”. |
| Report Status: | Incomplete |
