Accident Database

Report ID#64841

1994-05-01
accident date
Joseph Zaccaro
victim
24
victim age
Otter Creek
river
Beldens Falls to Bleeders Dam
section
Beldon Falls Near Burlington, VT
location
n/a
gage
High
water level
III+
river difficulty
PFD Not Worn or Present
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Cold Water, One Boat Trip
factors
Private
trip type
Raft
boat type
status?
status

Description

VERMONT PAIR FINDS TROUBLE ON OTTER CREEK Otter Creek near Burlington, VT: April 30, 1994 DESCRIPTION: This small stream, not listed in any guidebooks, was flowing high due to recent rains. The victim, Eric Kemp, 24, drowned on April 30, 1994 after the 14 foot raft he was paddling with a friend capsized just below Beldon Falls. Neither was wearing a life vest. The friend managed to swim to shore, but Kemp disappeared. State Police divers were forced to call off the search due to rising water. SOURCE: Burlington Free Press; Chip Morgan ANALYSIS: High, icy water demands good equipment and plenty of experience. This pair had neither, and paid a heavy price for their ignorance.