On September 19, 2012, at approximately 1045 hours, the operator of Vessel I was paddling in a southerly direction with two companions.  They reached a point in the river that was classified as Class V whitewater rapids.  Two of the kayakers went over a fall successfully, however, Vessel I got caught backwards on a rocky area.  Immediately after the operator was able to turn the vessel around, it tipped upside down and stuck there for approximately one minute.  When the kayak went over the falls, the victim was no longer in it.  The victim's body and the empty kayak were found some time later.  The cause of death was determined to be drowning.  The victim was equipped appropriately, wearing a wet suit, PFD, and helmet, and had extensive experience and knowledge of whitewater kayaking, as did his two companions.
Lincoln                       