Non-Witness Narrative by (do not publish name) on 2011-07-18 (okay to publish): Exerpt from NPS Morning Report of 07/18/11 New River Gorge National River (WV) Maryland Woman Drowns In Rafting Accident A Cumberland, Maryland woman on a whitewater rafting trip died on Saturday after the raft she was in flipped in a class III rapid on the New River Gorge National River, throwing all passengers into the water. The Alpine Adventures raft overturned at the Upper Railroad Rapid about 11:30 a.m. on July 16th. Judy Brown of Cumberland, Maryland was thrown from the raft, swam a portion of the rapid, but became trapped about halfway through the rapid at a point known as Detroit Rock, near the river's center. Sometime during the swim, Brown's life jacket came off. It is unclear if the jacket came out before or after she became trapped. The raft, one of 8 rafts and 51 guests that put in at Cunard, West Virginia, had reached the first major rapid on their trip down the Lower New River. As the raft dropped into the first hole at the top of the rapid, it turned broadside to the wave, caused a weight shift that resulted in everyone aboard falling into the water. The NPS river patrol, monitoring commercial river radio traffic, was on scene shortly after the accident. Statements indicate that Ms. Brown was underwater approximately 30 minutes before lifesaving efforts could be started. She was freed from the rock after Alpine guides and bystanders managed to place a flip line around her body and pull her upstream, which in turn freed her from the entrapment. River rangers initiated CPR supported by an AED. Brown was transported to Platuea Medical Center via General Ambulance where she was declared dead. Park rangers, Alpine Guides, and Rivermen employees assisted in the rescue efforts. The National Park Service and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are investigating the accident. [Submitted by Jeff West, Chief Ranger]
