Accident Database

Report ID#66204

2003-05-04
accident date
David Edrington
victim
52
victim age
Yuba, S. Fork
river
C) Washington to Edwards Crossing
section
n/a
location
2000 cfs
gage
High
water level
IV
river difficulty
Flush Drowning
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Cold Water, High Water
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

The South Fork of the Yuba below Washington, California is a classic Class IV run. According to The Union, a local paper, it was running at 2000 cfs, a high level, on the afternoon of May 4th. That was when David Edrington and his partner began their run. Mr. Edrington, 52, bailed out of his kayak and washed over a ledge. After surfacing, he was able to hold onto his friend’s kayak for a short time before losing his grip. After he disappeared, his partner called 911. A helicopter located the victim’s floating body and directed rescuers to him.