0n November 23, 2024, a 20-year-old female and a 22-year-old male went kayaking on the James River in Rockbridge County near Locher Landing at dusk. Neither were wearing a life jacket. The female operator, an inexperienced kayaker, was reported to be under the influence of marijuana.
Both kayakers drifted into heavy currents and struggled to return upriver. The female capsized and submerged, while the male also capsized while trying to assist her. He managed to re-enter his kayak and call 911 but was unable to exit the water. First responders rescued the male, who was treated for exposure, but a search continued into the next day for the female. Her body was later recovered by divers
