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Report ID# 3454

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Accident Description

Colorado River Claims Oregon Kayaker in Grand Canyon National Park

by Shannan D. Marcak, Contributor Tuesday, January 11, 2011 (Grand Canyon, AZ) - Scott Foster, 42 of Bend, Oregon has been identified as the kayaker who died Monday on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report from a private river trip operator of CPR in progress Monday, January 10, at approximately 11:40AM. Rangers were dispatched via helicopter to river mile 44.5 on the Colorado River just below President Harding Rapid.

Upon arriving at the scene, rangers took over efforts to revive a 40 – 45 year-old male kayaker, but were unsuccessful. Members of the party reported looking back after they had successfully navigated the rapid to see the man’s kayak upside down in the water. They retrieved him as quickly as possible, then began CPR and called for assistance. The body was retrieved via helicopter and flown to the South Rim at about 4:30PM where it was met by the Coconino County Medical Examiner who will determine the official cause of death. Meanwhile, the National Park Service is continuing its investigation into the incident.

Read more: KCSG Television -

Colorado River Claims Another Life in the Grand Canyon

NPS Morning Report Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)

Kayaker Dies During River Trip

Park dispatch received a report of CPR in progress from a private river trip on the Colorado River on Monday morning. Rangers flew by helicopter to the location, just below President Harding Rapid. They took over efforts to revived the man, but were unsuccessful. Members of the party reported looking back after they’d successfully navigated the rapid and seeing the man’s kayak upside down in the water. They found and retrieved him as quickly as possible, then began CPR and summoned assistance. The body was flown by helicopter to the South Rim and turned over to the county medical examiner. An investigation into the cause of death is underway.

[Submitted by Shannan Marcak, Public Affairs Officer]

We can only guess what the cause was at this point.  The river has been cycling around 15,000 to 20,000 cfs lately and  President Harding rapid is known for a mean hole at higher levels.

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