Accident Database: Accident #917
| River: | Willamette |
| Difficulty: | III |
| Accident Code(s): | Head Injury |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 48 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Inexperienced |
| Years Paddling: | <1 |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Number of Occupants: | 1 |
| Number in Group: | 2 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Summary: | Mark Sundin, a respected local fire chief, was killed while kayaking with his son on Oregon’s Willamette River. The incident occurred on July 15th in an area containing Class III rapids. After a passing motorist reported an empty kayak floating downstream, rescue squads turned out. They found the 48-year-old Sundin floating facedown. They also located his 10 year-old son along the riverbank. The boy reported seeing his father capsize and swim. According to the Salem, Oregon Register-Guard, Chief Sundin was not wearing a helmet. This unfortunate lapse in safety precautions has led to speculation that a blow to the head might have left him stunned and unable to self-rescue. |
| Link: | http://www.oregonlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/1121767541263540.xml&coll=7 |
| Report Status: | Incomplete |