Accident Database

Report ID#67977

2006-07-16
accident date
Guenther Siegel, Age 71
victim
n/a
victim age
Menominee
river
A) Piers Gorge: Niagara to Hwy.8
section
Norway, Michigan
location
n/a
gage
Low
water level
III
river difficulty
Other
cause code(s)
n/a
injury type(s)
n/a
factors
Commercial
trip type
Raft
boat type
status?
status

Description

Witness Narrative by Jordan Ross on 2006-07-19 (okay to publish): This is an update to a previously filed report. TEXT ATTACHMENTS http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=2577 Drowning ruled as cause of death IRON MOUNTAIN ? An autopsy performed Monday at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital cites drowning as the official cause of death of a 71-year-old Chicago man at Piers Gorge, said Dickinson County Undersheriff Scott Celello. At about 4:45 p.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a rafting accident in the Piers Gorge area of Norway Township. A private rafting party of family and friends had been floating down the Menominee River when their raft capsized. The group continued to float downstream, holding on to the outside of the raft, until they could reach a resting area. They continued to talk to the victim and he was responsive, they told authorities. When the group reached the resting area, they noticed that Guenther Siegel was not with them. Seconds later, Siegel was located floating face up and unresponsive. Siegel was brought to shore and CPR was initiated. Siegel was wearing a life jacket and helmet. Assisting at the scene were the Dickinson County Sheriff?s Office Marine Patrol, North Alert Ambulance and Beacon Ambulance Service. Pete Frecchio?s e-mail address is pfrecchio@ironmountaindailynews.com

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