Accident Database

Report ID#68335

2018-10-08
accident date
Matthew Hughes
victim
35
victim age
Elkhorn Creek (Forks of Elkhorn US460 Bridge to Knight's Bridge on KY1900
river
Forks of Elkhorn US460 Bridge to Knight's Bridge on KY1900 (6 miles)
section
Jim Beam Distillery Dam
location
n/a
gage
n/a
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
Other
boat type
status?
status

Description

From Elroy Shayes: The Elkhorn is a water dependent class II stream Just outside of Frankfort KY that is used by clubs and others as a learning platform for Newbie boaters. But the portage around the Jim Beam Distillery Dam is sketchy. It is a wet narrow ledge that is underwater at high flows. But once around there is no cause not to put in further away from the boil line. Sounds like inexperience. Frankfort State Journal https://m.state-journal.com/2018/10/09/kayaker-who-drowned-in-elkhorn-creek-identified/