Operator and victim put their canoe on the yadkin river at the hwy 77 bridge and proceeded to float down river to the confluence of the yadkin and mitchell rivers.  This stretch of river that they planned to float and fish is approximately 4.45 miles.  After floating the river and fishing for the first part of the day, Operator and victim stopped to have lunch on the riverside.   After lunch they proceeded to float downstream where they came to an island in the yadkin river that is approximately 0.48 miles from the confluence of the yadkin and mitchell rivers where they planned to end their float.  Operator said that they usually take the channel to the left of the island, but that victim made the decision to go to the right this time.  Operator sitting in the front seat of the canoe and victim sitting in the back seat of the canoe, they proceeded around the island.  As they went around the right side of the island, Operator saw a branch that struck out from a tree on the bank.  As they passed the branch, Operator said that he avoided it, however, victim grabbed the limb as he passed by it.  When victim grabbed the branch, the canoe came to an abrupt stop, which startled Operator.  Operator turned around to see what had happened and as he did this, the canoe started turning and flipped over.  Operator and victim both fell out into the water.  Operator was immediately able to grab the canoe, but he could see victim struggling to stay above the water out past the canoe.  Operator then managed to get the canoe flipped back over.  He then pushed the canoe out to victim.  Victim was then able to grab the canoe and hold on.  Operator then swam to shore and followed victim downstream along the shore.  Operator said that victim and he exchanged a few words and that victim just laid his head down on the canoe as it floated downstream.as Operator made his way down the riverbank, he lost sight of the canoe and victim for about 30 yards.  When the canoe and victim came back into view, victim was not holding on to the canoe.  Victim was then lying face down in the water.  Operator then ran through adjoining fields and woods to the closest road where he called out for help.  A female individual on a golf cart saw him and came to help.  She took him to a telephone to call 911.
 
Operator and victim did have pfds in the canoe.  However, they were using them to sit on and not wearing them.  Operator said that victim did not know how to swim.  There were also two coolers in the canoe (48 qt cooler and small soft cooler).  Operator and victim were life long friends and went to a local church together.

JONESVILLE                    