Accident Database

Report ID#64927

2025-03-19
accident date
Unidentified Man
victim
35
victim age
Blackburn Fork River
river
n/a
section
Near Cookeville, TN
location
n/a
gage
n/a
water level
I
river difficulty
PFD Not Worn or Present, Pinned in Boat Against Strainer
cause code(s)
Hypothermia
injury type(s)
Solo Paddling
factors
Private
trip type
Other
boat type
status?
status

Description

From Tom Hehnen: A 35 yr old male was paddling a tributary to the Blackburn Fork River near Cookeville, TN in a 6 ft Sun Dolphin kayak. There was fast current but no real rapids. He got trapped in a wood strainer. After becoming hypothermic, he could not get out of the water alone. His mother found him in the water, and called for help. He was airlifted for medical reasons. He has recovered, and is ok. No helmet or PFD was worn.