Accident Database

Report ID# 425

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  • Swim into Strainer
  • PFD Not Worn or Present
  • Does not Apply
  • Inadequate Equipment

Accident Description

On June 30, 1996 an outing on the Driftwood River near Columbus, IN turned deadly. Jeff Pruitt, 36, was paddling a touring kayak with his brother when they encountered a bridge construction area. The difficulty of the water was probably no more than Class II. No helmets were used, and the pair had stowed their PFD's inside their kayaks.

Pruett's brother made it through the bridge construction area, but Pruett himself flipped. He got his footing, told his brother he was OK, then slipped while trying to recover gear. Pruett, a strong swimmer, was last seen floating passively towards a downed tree where he disappeared. His brother tried to chase him in his kayak. When he could not find him he ran to the road, flagged down a motorist, and notified police. Rescuers found Pruett’s body underneath the tree.

SOURCE: Don Hewett; Columbia, IN Republic; ; Seymour, IN Tribune

ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Construction sites are dangerous, and the river here may have been legally closed. In either case, it deserved careful scouting. If the victim had worn a life vest, however, he might have survived.

 

On June 30, a saturday outing on the Driftwood River near Columbus, Indiana turned deadly. According to newspaper articals Terry Underwood sent the AWA, Jeff Pruitt, 36, was palddling a touring type kayak with his brother when they encountered a bridge construction area. The AWA's Don Hewett, communicating via E-Mail, indicated that the area was probably no harder than class II. The pair had stowed their PFD's inside their kayaks. No helmets were used. Pruett's brother made it through the bridge construction area, but Pruett himself flipped. He got his footing, told his brother he was OK, then slipped while trying to recover gear. Pruett, a strong swimmer, was last seen floating passively towards a downed tree where he disappeared. His brother tried to chase him in his kayak, then called police. Rescuers found the body underneath the tree.

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