Accident Database: Accident #964
| River: | Stillwater |
| Section: | 1. Woodbine Campground to below Chrome Mine |
| Water Level: | Medium |
| Difficulty: | V |
| Accident Code(s): | Head Injury |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 21 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Experienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Detailed Description: | The Beartrap Canyon of the Madison River near Innes, MT is a Class IV-V run. Randy Bellingham, 21, a very experienced Class V boater, tried the run on June 22, 1996. He flipped in “The Kitchen Sink”, a long Class V rapid, and hit his head hard. He cracked a heavy-duty Seda fiberglass helmet in three places and suffered a massive head injury. SOURCE: Jim Hayes and Doug Purl, posting to rec.boats.paddle ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Although head injuries are pretty rare, a good helmet is a must, especially on steep runs. |
| Report Status: | Reported |