Accident Database

Report ID# 58181

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Accident Description

Here is the post on the Chattanooga Area Boating Information FB page: We had a lot of rain yesterday afternoon and last night. On Richland Creek: there is a bad log in the right side of Screaming Left Hand Turn. Do NOT do the high water boof onto the shelf on the right

Clay Wright message: It was a solid local group on Henderson- an upstream trib that’s class 5, they came into the classic ‘Richland creek’ section - which is pumping when Hendy is in - and the high water line to one of the biggest rapids had a tree in it.


One person dead in kayaking accident in Rhea County Sunday

News Channel 9, Chattanooga, TN

December 1st 2019 

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn - TWRA Wildlife Officers confirm one person is dead on Richland Creek, near Back Valley Road in Rhea County.  First responders remain on scene and recovery efforts are still underway. Officials say fast-moving waters with deep water holes of 8 feet to 10 feet made recovery efforts challenging. 

TWRA says three kayakers took to the water for a point to point trip along the section of the stream known for white water paddling after heavy rains. While kayaking, a 31-year-old man from Hamilton county was trapped under a log. Those with the man attempted to save him but were unable to do so. Officials say the man was wearing a life jacket. 

TWRA, The Rhea County Sheriff's Office, Rhea County Emergency Management and Tennessee State Parks remain on the scene. Recovery operations are underway to remove the body from the creek near Back Valley Road. 

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