Accident Database

Report ID# 110

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  • Caught in Low Head Dam Hydraulic
  • Heart Attack / Heart Failure
  • Inexperience
  • One Boat Trip

Accident Description

An attempt by three people to run the Fox River Dam ended in tragedy on June 11, 1984. The group ignored posted warning signs, feeling that their inflatable raft could "punch" the hole at the bottom. Instead, they became caught. A 23 year old woman jumped out of the boat and her 25 year old fiancee jumped in to help her. Both drowned in the hydraulic. The third man stayed in the boat and was rescued by firefighters using a hose rescue device.

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