Accident Database: Accident #955

River: Snake
Section: West Table Dock to Sheep Gulch (Alpine Canyon)
Location: Lunch Counter Rapid
Water Level: Medium
Difficulty: IV-
Accident Code(s): Entrap. (No PFD)
Injury Code(s): Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal
Age: 13
Experienced/Inexperienced: Inexperienced
Years Paddling: <1
Private/Commercial: Private
Boat Type: From Shore
Number of Occupants: 1
Number of Victims: 1
Hazard Codes: Water Temp
Summary:

On July 3, 1999 a teenager on shore near Lunch Counter Rapid in Wyoming ’s Snake River Canyon reportedly threw a dead fish at a group of passing rafters. The fish hit a woman in the face. Her boyfriend came ashore, grabbed the teenager, and pitched him into the water. The boy, who was not wearing a life vest, floated downriver for some distance before he drowned. The boyfriend is now facing manslaughter charges. 

 

SOURCE: Paddler Magazine; Doug Van Houten

 

 

 

 

 

Detailed Description:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report Status: Completed