Accident Database

Report ID#69187

1998-06-08
accident date
Greg Malley
victim
0
victim age
Tuolumne (4) Lumsden Campground
river
4) Lumsden Campground (Merals Pool) to Wards Ferry Bridge
section
Grey's Grindstone
location
9000 cfs
gage
High
water level
IV
river difficulty
Flush Drowning
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
High Water
factors
Commercial
trip type
Raft
boat type
status?
status

Description

On June 8 Greg Malley, 33, a commercial raft guide, drowned after a flip at the top of Grey’s Grindstone on the Tuolumne River . This classic Class IV Sierra run was running at 9000 cfs, which is high for paddling. Malley was his 85th commercial trip, running sweep in an oar rig raft for a six-boat party. Dan and Adam Diamont reported to rec.boats.paddle that his boat flipped in Grey’s Grindstone, one of the longest rapids on the river. Two of his guests were pulled in quickly by another company, but Malley was washed downstream. He was found 300 yards below, still wearing his PFD and helmet. CPR began at once, and a helicopter was used for the evacuation. These efforts were, unfortunately, unsuccessful.