Accident Database

Report ID#68576

2023-05-27
accident date
Michael Hazel
victim
27
victim age
Ocoee
river
Middle
section
Table Saw
location
1500 CFS
gage
Medium
water level
III+
river difficulty
Impact/Trauma
cause code(s)
Head Injury / Concussion
injury type(s)
Other
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

Table Saw rapid. First lap ever in a full slice after running the Upper Ocoee the same morning. I was asked if I had ever run the boof on river right. I had not so decided to run it that day. Hit the boof perfectly but landed right on a seam on the other side and caught an edge. Flipped over and immediately set up for a roll, rock struck me in the head extremely hard.. I did not attempt to roll after and swam. I was able to get out at the bottom on river left with all my gear thanks to some close by boaters. Did not feel it until several days later but definitely had a mild concussion. Lasted approximately 2 weeks until I could get through the day without pain.