FYI: One fatality, one injury (ambulatory) at Muddy Creek, Delta, PA this evening. Not clear, yet if it was waders or rec boaters. Call was dispatched as "53 yo male caught in whirlpool", but I'm thinking more likely a foot entrapment. Only running 118 cfs now, and although local rain, gage showed no spike. Exact location on creek unclear. Suspect either Snap Falls or Triple Drop.
HIS MORNING, AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY AFTER ONE PERSON DIED AND TWO OTHERS HAD TO BE RESCUED FROM THE CREEK. THREE PEOPLE WERE KAYAKING LAST EVENING NEAR DELTA. TWO PEOPLE WERE RESCUED, ONE WAS FOUND DEAD.
The group consisted of three Amish men. Their groups run the Creek often, in rec boats with no skirts and or pfds, wearing cotton shirts and pants. The Muddy, at 115 cfs, was extremely low.The Amish usually walk around the gorge and will watch WW folks run it. They run snap falls and everything else. I think the other two probably carried and since he was struggling and fell behind, didn't realize he was supposed to get out. He was pulled into The Gorge, a very obstructed Class V+ drop. His boat probably filled with water from the rooster tail in the first drop, capsized and pinned. There are lots of undercuts here. The victim was 53 years old.
Brogue man dies after drowning while kayaking in York County
The York County Coroner says the man was reported to have had some difficulty and was separated from his friends while kayaking before drowning
Author: Cale Ahearn (FOX43)
Published: May 24, 2021
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A Brogue man was found dead on Monday night after drowning while kayaking, officials say. On May 24 around 11:00 p.m., the York County Coroner pronounced John Beachey, 53, dead after being dispatched to an area in Peach Bottom Township for reports of a likely drowning in a creek area.
Authorities say Beachey had been kayaking with some friends in the area of the Gorge and was reported to have some difficulty. Beachy was reportedly separated from his friends and possibly drowned in the area of the Gorge, Muddy Creek, or in Peach Bottom Township area.
There will be no autopsy. Officials say additional information on the incident should be released today.
Man drowns while kayaking in Central Pa. creek, coroner says
5/24/2021
By Jenna Wise
A man drowned on a Monday kayaking trip with friends after he started struggling and got separated from the group, York County authorities said. The man, who has not been identified as of Tuesday morning, was kayaking Monday evening in the Gorge, Muddy Creek, in or around Peach Bottom Township, according to Coroner Pamela Gay. Gay said the man was pronounced dead at the creek at 10:58 p.m. His identity is known but will not be released until more family members are notified.
The area in which the man drowned is known to kayakers, swimmers and hikers, but is not easily accessible, according to Gay. She said emergency responders had to get to the area on foot.Gay said an autopsy will not be performed, but routine toxicology tests will be completed. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the drowning. Gay said her office plans to release additional details later Tuesday.
