Accident Database

Report ID#69072

1990-06-09
accident date
Larry Heidemann
victim
0
victim age
Arkansas
river
04. Railroad Bridge Launch to Buena Vista
section
Frog Rock Run
location
3800
gage
High
water level
III
river difficulty
Flush Drowning
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Cold Water, Failed Rescue, High Water, Inexperience
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

KAYAKER DIES ON THE ARKANSAS June 9, 1990 “Frog Run” Section (Below the Numbers) near Buena Vista, Colo. Volume 3800 cfs (Very High). Classification III+ DESCRIPTION: Larry Heidemann of Buena Vista was kayaking with his brother on this popular intermediate run, which is very fast and continuous at high water. Suddenly Heidemann’s boat capsized. His brother went after him, but hit a rock and was forced to swim also. His brother made it safely to shore, but Heidemann did not. His body was recovered downstream by commercial rafters. SOURCE: Ron Judkoff, Colorado Whitewater Association ANALYSIS: Clearly this group was inexperienced and misjudged the river; they would have been better off finding easier water or seeking the company of stronger paddlers.