Accident Database

Report ID#65492

2004-06-26
accident date
Randall Anderson
victim
35
victim age
Clarks Fork Yellowstone
river
2. Upper
section
Boulder Drop
location
n/a
gage
n/a
water level
IV
river difficulty
Flush Drowning
cause code(s)
Does not Apply
injury type(s)
Other
factors
Private
trip type
Whitewater Kayak
boat type
status?
status

Description

On June 26th Randall Anderson, 35, died on the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone near Crandall, Wyoming. This little known, but excellent stretch of roadside whitewater is upstream of the famous Class V-VI overnight section. At “Boulder Drop” rapid, a friend ran the rapid first. When Mr. Anderson failed to appear, the man ran upstream and saw him flip and bail out of his kayak. Mr. Anderson did not grab a well-placed throw line, and he floated out of sight downstream. His partner called 911, and authorities were able to locate the body miles downstream. A newspaper report in the Cody, Wyoming Enterprise described the pair as “skilled” and “well equipped”. Anyone with further information (particularly about whether head trauma might have been involved) is urged to contact the Safety Editor. http://boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk/627215