A witness stated he encountered the kayakers in the parking lot and assisted them carrying 3 kayaks.  They carried them to the bottom of the dam and put in.  He then stated the victim "took off" in the water, the kayak got caught in the back current and the victim fell out.  The victim was then sucked into the flood gates and never resurfaced.  An extensive search by multiple departments ensued.  The victim's body was located later that evening approx. 1.5 miles downstream.

Victim initially was wearing a PFD when he went into the water however; it was not securely fastened - he failed to zip it up and it was sucked off of him.

At the time of the accident,  4 flood gates were open on the dam, numerous signs are posted throughout the area warning of the dangers and at this particular time access was closed to only foot traffic.
MALVERN                       