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Accident Database: Accident #852
| River: | Crystal |
| Section: | 4. Penny Hot Springs to Avalanche Creek |
| Difficulty: | IV- |
| Accident Code(s): | No PFD |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 53 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Experienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Summary: | On June 9th Les Normandin, 53, was found floating face-down in a pushy Class III section of the Crystal River upstream of Carbondale, Colorado. According to the Aspen Times he was wearing a helmet and booties, but no PFD. Sheriff's deputies found a PFD in his truck at the takeout. Jake Menke is a local paddler who helped with the shuttle on his way to a hike. He said that Mr. Normandin had boated regularly with his father when both men were in their 20's. Although the man hadn't been boating for over 25 years, he had run the river successfully the previous day and had no qualms about another solo run. This confidence proved to be his undoing. |
| Report Status: | Completed |
