Accident Database

Report ID#65651

1996-06-22
accident date
Randy Bellingham
victim
21
victim age
Stillwater
river
1. Woodbine Campground to below Chrome Mine
section
n/a
location
n/a
gage
Medium
water level
V
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

The Beartrap Canyon of the Madison River near Innes, MT is a Class IV-V run. Randy Bellingham, 21, a very experienced Class V boater, tried the run on June 22, 1996. He flipped in “The Kitchen Sink”, a long Class V rapid, and hit his head hard. He cracked a heavy-duty Seda fiberglass helmet in three places and suffered a massive head injury. SOURCE: Jim Hayes and Doug Purl, posting to rec.boats.paddle ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Although head injuries are pretty rare, a good helmet is a must, especially on steep runs.