Accident Database

Report ID# 2662

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  • Caught in a Natural Hydraulic
  • Flush Drowning
  • Does not Apply
  • High Water

Accident Description

3rd Rafting Death in One Week Occurs in WV

Posted: 5:05 PM May 25, 2008

Reporter: The Associated Press Email Address: news@wsaz.com MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

(AP) -- A Connecticut man is the second person to die while rafting the Cheat River this month, according to the state Division of Natural Resources. Nicholas J. Hercun, 32, of Fairfield, Conn. was on a rafting trip with several other people guided by Cheat River Outfitters. Officials did not immediately have more details, but say the accident occurred Saturday near part of the river commonly called the "Big Nasty" in Preston County.

Hercun's death is the state's third whitewater fatality in a week. On May 17, New Yorker Vicki Jane Miller-Savard died while rafting on the Cheat. Three days later, Oklahoman Charles R. Brown died in a rafting accident on the New River.

Mr Harcun fell out of his boat towards the top of Big Nasty, washed through the hole, was recovered face up above Typewriter Wave. He was quite heavy, and the cause of his death is unclear.

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