Accident Database

Report ID#64985

1999-06-17
accident date
Gary Kugler
victim
23
victim age
Raritan River
river
Bridgewater
section
Robert Street Dam in Bridgewater
location
n/a
gage
Medium
water level
N/A
river difficulty
Caught in Low Head Dam Hydraulic
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Other
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

DAMS CIAIMS ANOTHER JERSEY PADDLER June 17, 1989: South Branch of the Raritan River, Bridgewater, N.J. DESCRIPTION: Gary Kugler, 23, drowned on an evening cruise at the Robert Street dam in Bridgewater. At about 11 PM the two attempted to land above the dam; he slipped into the water and was washed over the dam. His girlfriend heard him call for help and summoned rescue squads. His body was recovered three days later. SOURCE: Appalachian Mountain Club (NJ) “Paddle Splashes” COMMENTS: These incidents further illustrates the danger of low-head dams.