17. Bugaboo Creek, British Columbia (2022-06-19)
Probable Factors: Solo, High water
Grade: Class III, bounded by Class V
Virginia resident Peter Jolles, 46, was reported overdue at a Bugaboo Creek takeout, British Columbia, and has not yet been located. An old guidebook describes the section as a woody Class III with Class V rapids above and below.
Peter was visiting BC for an adventure race and stayed after the race to continue exploring the region. He was wearing full personal protective equipment (dry suit, PFD, helmet). Peter was paddling alone. Rescue personnel recovered Peter’s packraft but had to discontinue search efforts due to high water conditions.
Paddling alone has been a common factor in the known packraft fatalities, and high water is a dominant factor in Class IV fatalities.
His body has nbot been recovered.
UPDATE: After months of high water from snow melt prevented further rescue efforts, Peter Jolles' body was recovered in a log jam 10/1/2022 near where his packraft had been found earlier.
