From Dave Bassage via FB: Victim swam in Lower Stairsteps, was unresponsive when recovered, cpr initiated, other trips and NPS assisted with AED and Oxygen. CPR was continued as NPS transported downstream to fishing camp above rattlesnake where he was evacuated by EMS. Park officials: Man drowned during Gauley River rafting trip by SHANNON STOWERS, ANNA SAUNDERS wchstv Fox 11 October 4th 2022 An Ohio man drowned Monday during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said. (Sinclair Broadcast Group) FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — An Ohio man drowned Monday during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said. The 46-year-old man was rafting a Class IV rapid on the Lower Gauley River called the “Stairsteps” when the incident occurred, the spokesperson said. The man was part of the ACE Adventure Resort commercial rafting trip, officials said. The company released a statement on the incident Tuesday: “The owners and staff of ACE Adventure Resort extend our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones during this time of mourning and loss,” the statement said. “An overwhelming number of outdoor professionals and emergency personnel responded quickly and with the utmost care yesterday,” the statement continued. “For that we are truly grateful and send our most sincere appreciation to our fellow River Outfitters and the River Community, The Rangers and Staff of The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Jan-Care Ambulance, The Ansted Fire Department and all other individuals and organizations present.” Officials said the river was running at 11,000 cubic feet per second, which is high, but rafting trips are not halted unless it’s over 15,000 cfs. National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Ansted Volunteer Fire Department crews all responded to the scene. The Division of Natural Resources is handling the investigation. Park officials: Man drowned during Gauley River rafting trip by SHANNON STOWERS, ANNA SAUNDERS wchstv Fox 11 October 4th 2022 An Ohio man drowned Monday during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said. (Sinclair Broadcast Group) FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — An Ohio man drowned Monday during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said. The 46-year-old man was rafting a Class IV rapid on the Lower Gauley River called the “Stairsteps” when the incident occurred, the spokesperson said. The man was part of the ACE Adventure Resort commercial rafting trip, officials said. The company released a statement on the incident Tuesday: “The owners and staff of ACE Adventure Resort extend our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones during this time of mourning and loss,” the statement said. “An overwhelming number of outdoor professionals and emergency personnel responded quickly and with the utmost care yesterday,” the statement continued. “For that we are truly grateful and send our most sincere appreciation to our fellow River Outfitters and the River Community, The Rangers and Staff of The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Jan-Care Ambulance, The Ansted Fire Department and all other individuals and organizations present.” Officials said the river was running at 11,000 cubic feet per second, which is high, but rafting trips are not halted unless it’s over 15,000 cfs. National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Ansted Volunteer Fire Department crews all responded to the scene. The Division of Natural Resources is handling the investigation. Park officials: Man drowned during Gauley River rafting trip by SHANNON STOWERS, ANNA SAUNDERS wchstv Fox 11 October 4th 2022 An Ohio man drowned Monday during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said. (Sinclair Broadcast Group) FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — An Ohio man drowned Monday during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said. The 46-year-old man was rafting a Class IV rapid on the Lower Gauley River called the “Stairsteps” when the incident occurred, the spokesperson said. The man was part of the ACE Adventure Resort commercial rafting trip, officials said. The company released a statement on the incident Tuesday: “The owners and staff of ACE Adventure Resort extend our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones during this time of mourning and loss,” the statement said. “An overwhelming number of outdoor professionals and emergency personnel responded quickly and with the utmost care yesterday,” the statement continued. “For that we are truly grateful and send our most sincere appreciation to our fellow River Outfitters and the River Community, The Rangers and Staff of The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Jan-Care Ambulance, The Ansted Fire Department and all other individuals and organizations present.” Officials said the river was running at 11,000 cubic feet per second, which is high, but rafting trips are not halted unless it’s over 15,000 cfs. National Park Service, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Ansted Volunteer Fire Department crews all responded to the scene. The Division of Natural Resources is handling the investigation. Man Identified as John David Catoe, 46 Identifies as John David Catoe Identified as John David Catoe