Operator of Vessel #2 (kayak) stated they were not going very fast, but just taking their time traveling the river.  At one point he saw victim go sideways in the river and roll over, and noticed that victim's legs had come out of his kayak (Vsl #1).  Vessel #1 went down the river and victim was caught in a deep pool and kept recirculating in the pool and it looked like he could not get out of the current.   Operator of Vsl #2 threw a "throw bag" but victim did not catch it and it looked if he did not even see it.  Then victim was washed out of the rapids and appeared to be unconscious and face down.  Operator of Vessel #2 could not get close because of the strong current, and went for help.  Victim was now caught on tree limbs and pinned up against a tree top that was protruding out into the river from the bank.  That is how deputies found him completely submerged in the river.  Deputies removed the tree from the river and were able to pull victim onto the bank and begin life saving measures.  Victim was transported to Baraga County Memorial Hospital where  he was pronounced dead on arrival.
L'Anse Township               