Accident Database

Report ID#69056

1982-09-24
accident date
Bob O'Connor
victim
0
victim age
Gauley River
river
7 (Upper). Summersville Dam to Mason Branch
section
Initiation Rapid
location
2500
gage
Medium
water level
IV
river difficulty
PFD Fell Off, Pinned in Boat against Rock or Sieve
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Failed Rescue
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal/show-page/issue/4/year/1983/page/25/ Initiation Rapid contains a dangerous hidden trap that has been responsible for one other death and dozens of narrow escapes in the last two decades. People are often lured there by a well-formed surfing wave which, when caught, carries them over into harm’s way. The best way to avoid trouble at Initiation Rapid is to run center-left, and to stay clear of the right side. Kayaker Bob O’Connor was pushed unto the crack between two large rocks and pinned on a chock rock part way down. Despire active rescue attemptes he washed through the suckhole and drowned. The rescue attempt was competent and courageous. A rescue life vest with a harness like the one Walker used could have made a difference if it has been available earlier. Unfortunately these devices were not available in the United States in 1982. Deliberately pushing someone through a suckhole is clearly a last resort. These areas often contain hidden hazards and someone could get hung up under water. In this case it seemed like a reasonable option.