Accident Database: Accident #865

River: New
Section: 6. New River Gorge: Cunard to Fayette Station
Location: Meatgrinder
Gauge: 8000 cfs
Water Level: Medium
Difficulty: IV
Accident Code(s): Swim Into Undercut Trap
Injury Code(s): Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal
Age: 15
Private/Commercial: Commercial
Boat Type: Raft
Number of Occupants: 6
Number of Victims: 1
Hazard Codes: Natural Strainer or Sieve
Summary: On June 29th a guided raft flipped in Middle Keaney Rapids in West Virginia's New River Gorge. The flow was 8,000 cfs, a near-optimal level that creates huge breaking waves here. Five occupants of the raft, along with the guide, were picked up by other rafts. But Morgan Funk, 15, washed into a dangerous rock sieve at the top of Lower Keaney known as Meatgrinder. These rocks, the site of a previous fatality, are very difficult to reach. Guides and private paddlers mobilized to help her, and were eventually joined by Park Service and fire-rescue personnel. They were not successful.
Report Status: Incomplete