Accident Database

Report ID#69115

1994-05-22
accident date
Russell Fraleigh
victim
53
victim age
Lochsa River
river
3 - Wilderness Gateway bridge to Split Creek Pack Bridge
section
n/a
location
n/a
gage
n/a
water level
IV
river difficulty
Equipment Trap
cause code(s)
Other
injury type(s)
Cold Water, One Boat Trip
factors
Private
trip type
Raft
boat type
status?
status

Description

RAFTER, SNAGGED IN LINE, DROWNS ON LOCHSA RIVER DESCRIPTION: The Lochsa is one of the most popular runs in Northern Idaho , offering many class III-IV rapids. On May 22, 1994 Russell Fraleigh, 53, was rafting with three friends when their raft hit a midstream rock and wrapped. Three of the men were thrown clear, but Fraleigh held on to a line and tried to climb back onto the raft. He somehow became entangled in the rope and was pulled under water. Eventually a rescuer, assisted by a throw line from shore, got out to the raft, punctured a tube, and released the pin. The group recovered Fraleigh’s body and began CPR, but could not revive him. SOURCE: NORS Currents ANALYSIS: Loose lines are extremely dangerous when a raft pins, and must be stowed carefully to avoid problems.