Frazier Campion died kayaking last weekend, on the White River in western Newfoundland. He was attempting the first full descent of some serious upper sections, with my brother Kevin England, Seth Warren and Matt In one of the most difficult sections, his spray deck imploded and he was last seen trying to roll upstream of a portage. The team chased him but never caught up. He was located by helicopter the following morning.
Fraz had been particularly excited about this trip, even though it meant taking time out from his increasingly happily settled life here in New Zealand with his partner Rosie Pongratz and dog Toa. He will be missed greatly by this community, from the school children and staff he has recently made a big impact on, to the heli-pilots, rafting companies, farmers and everyone else he's worked with - not least his friends and family.
Sorry again to be the bearer of bad news.
Andy England, May 24 2005
