On March 13, 2013 National Park Service Rangers were dispatched to boating accident on the Little River along Hwy 73. The investigating officer was of National Park Service, stationed at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Officer reports that the victim was attending a paddling event referred to as Ain''t Louie Fest. At approximately 12:39 on the above date, Victim entered the Little River in the Sinks area to begin paddling a section of rapids. It was reported that his canoe was 90 degrees to the water flow when it hit a rock and overturned. Victim was then trapped in a rapid and was submerged for approximately 30 minutes. He was pulled from the water by other boaters. CPR was administered and later transported to Blount Memorial Hospital by Rural Metro ambulance service. Victim was later pronounced dead at Blount Memorial and the cause of death was determined to be drowning.

Ranger Officer also reports that Victim was an avid paddler with over 50 years of experience. He had paddled the Sinks area of the Little River in the past and had been paddling his current whitewater canoe for 1 to 2 years. He was reported to be extremely healthy.

The information in this Boating Accident Report was obtained from the N.P.S. Investigative Report which is on file at the N.P.S. Office at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
TOwnsend