Accident Database

Report ID# 718

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  • Flush Drowning
  • Swim into Rock or Sieve
  • Hypothermia
  • Cold Water

Accident Description

A group of four experienced rafters had a tragic run on the South Fork Boise River on May 5, 2001. Their raft hit a rock and flipped in 35-degree water. Two rafters from Boise, Jim Bigelow, 49, and Molly O'Leary, 48, swam for shore quickly and were rescued by another raft. Russ Campbell, 50, was picked up by the same raft. CPR was attempted without success.The body of Amy Gerver, 41,was found the following morning under a submerged log. It was extracted by National Guardsmen and floated out on a raft.
All rafters were wearing PFD's, helmets, and wetsuits.

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