Accident Database

Report ID# 3839

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  • Flush Drowning
  • Does not Apply
  • Cold Water

Accident Description

The accident happened on the "beginner stretch." The group ran both the Beaver one and Beaver two rapids successfully and the gentlemen fell out in the flat water about 200 yards from the take out. across from and down river of the Everest cement plant.

Rafter dies after Clear Creek rafting accident

By Corrie Sahling

The Denver Post 06/07/2014

A man has died following a river rafting accident in Clear Creek Saturday afternoon, according to Idaho Springs Police Chief Dave Wohlers. Wholers said that the man, who was in his 40s, fell out of the raft, which did not overturn. The man was in the water for several miles before being recovered downstream. Efforts were made to revive the man, but they were not successful. Currently, it is undetermined if his death was due to drowning or to a medical emergency. Colorado Department of Transportation sent a tweet at 5:30 p.m. that said U.S. 6 at Clear Creek Canyon was closed because of an accident, but it reopened by 5:50 p.m.

Man Who Died On Clear Creek May Have Suffered Medical Condition

June 8, 2014 CBS4 Denver IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) – A man died after falling out of his raft on Clear Creek on Saturday. Others tried to save him but were unsuccessful. The incident happened on the creek off Highway 6 near Idaho Springs and rough water was not to blame for the man’s death. The man has been identified as Kenneth Barkley, 41, from Brighton. “I think the important thing is we were able to determine that his raft did not overturn,” a police officer said.

Barkley had rented a raft in Idaho Springs. Based on all accounts he may have had a medical issue that caused him to fall out. David Costlow is the executive director of the Colorado River Outfitters Association. He learned that Barkley was sitting in the back of the raft. “After hitting the water, did not appear to be trying to self-rescue or have any swimming strokes of any kind. So was somewhat motionless,” Costlow said. Barkley was with his wife and teenage daughter. The rafting company had no comment but Cosla said his guide had three years of experience. It is not easy to retrieve someone who falls out of a raft and is motionless. “He was maybe a half a mile, two miles before he was able to be pulled from the water. You know it makes it difficult when you can’t throw a throw rope and have someone grab it,” Costlow said. Costlow said that it took about 20 minutes to retrieve Barkley’s body. The official cause of death could be released on Monday.

DAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) – Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a deadly rafting accident on Clear Creek. One man is dead after he left his raft and floated several miles down the rushing water on Saturday. It’s not clear if he was thrown from the raft or somehow fell out. The raft didn’t tip over.

(credit; CBS)

(credit; CBS)

Other people in the water unsuccessfully tried to rescue the man, identified as Kenneth Barkley, 41, from Brighton. Highway 6 was closed at mile 260 for the investigation but has reopened. Barkley’s family members were in two rafts on the creek. The raft ahead Barkley’s tipped over but those people were able to get to safety.

Additional Information From The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

Jefferson County, Co. – Effective at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 30th, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Golden Police Department will limit waterway activities on Clear Creek. These temporary restrictions apply to Clear Creek in unincorporated Jefferson County, as well as those portions of Clear Creek within the City of Golden, including Vanover Park

Water activities prohibited by the order include all single-chambered air inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes and single chambered rafts, as well as “body-surfers” and swimming.

Kayaks, whitewater canoes and multi-chambered professionally guided rafts and river boards are exempt, but are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to the safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris. All of the above users and occupants must have the use of a Type I, Type III, or Type V Coast Guard approved paddling life jacket and a water use designed helmet.

Violators may be issued a summons for a class 2 petty offense, punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars. These restrictions will be strictly enforced in an effort to minimize the risk to those using the waterway.

These temporary water restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

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