Accident Database

Report ID# 397

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  • Health Problem
  • Heart Attack / Heart Failure
  • Other

Accident Description

DEAD RIVER CLAIMS DUCKY PADDLER

Poplar Hill Falls near West Forks, ME: June 24, 1995

DESCRIPTION: The Dead River has been a popular class III open canoe run in Maine for decades. Michael Pecce, 56, was on a guided trip when he fell out of his inflatable kayak in Poplar Hill Rapid, a long, bouncy stretch of water located towards the end of a long run. He managed to climb back in his I-K, but fell out again. A rope was thrown, but he did not grab hold. A heart attack is suspected.

SOURCE: Newspaper clippings

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