The victim entered the river from the Potash Boat ramp on July 10, 2022, possibly to assist another party who was in distress after attempting to swim or wade in the water. He was found a mile or so downstream, deceased, on July 12. The second party is not named in any of the media coverage.
Not a boating accident, so not sure if this is pertinent to this site. PFDs are not mandated in this area.
Local man dies after being swept away by the Colorado
The Moab, UT Times Independent
July 14, 2022
A local man was found deceased Tuesday after being swept away by the Colorado River near the Potash boat ramp. Clay Petty, 53, had tried to help someone cross the river Sunday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. when he was swept downstream, according to a statement from the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a Facebook post from his daughter, Brook Anastasia Day, Petty had been saving a 63-year-old woman from drowning when he was pulled downstream. His disappearance led to a multiday, multi-agency search along the river. Petty’s body was found just after 10 a.m. Tuesday morning about a mile downstream of the boat ramp.
According to his sister-in-law Michelle Peterson, Petty “loved everything Moab.” “He was an amazing 4-wheeler and loved sharing the sport of wheeling with everybody that came to explore Moab,” Peterson wrote. “He also loved to rock climb, mountain bike, and ride his motorcycle.”
“He loved his family fiercely and was always their biggest fan,” Peterson continued. “You rarely [saw] Clay without his wife Patti by his side; they were best friends and lovers for over 14 years. Clay never put his needs before the needs of others. If you called, he answered no matter the need or time of day. He will be deeply missed in the community.”
Facebook posts about Petty’s death have garnered hundreds of reactions and comments.
Grand County Search and Rescue, which aided the search for Petty and posted rescuers overnight at the Potash boat ramp, instructs swimmers and boaters to always wear a personal flotation device on the Colorado and Green rivers.
– Sophia Fisher
Local press coverage & sheriff's office press release:
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/local-man-dies-after-being-swept-away-by-the-colorado/
https://www.facebook.com/utahgrandcountysheriff/posts/347193724270628
