RedactedNarrative: On 1/5/2019 at approximately 11:01 am Dispatch took a report of 2 kayaks that had been capsized at South Tailwater, on the east side of the dam.  Upon arrival Deputies observed a male holding onto a kayak struggling to stay afloat in the strong currents.  Deputies also observed another male subject face down in the water unresponsive.  Multiple rescue personnel and deputies threw safety ropes in an attempt to rescue the kayaker that was still afloat.  Rescuers were eventually able to rescue the male and he was transported to the emergency room in Pella.  The other male subject was later found downstream, and transported to the emergency room where he was pronounced deceased.  
  
  The Officer spoke with two people who were part of the group of kayaks.  They told the Officer that the two males were kayaking close to the dam were the signs stated to stay back.  They stated that the two got too close and the currents began to bring them closer to the dam.  Subject1 went under and was not seen again but Subject2 was able to stay afloat by holding onto his kayak. The Officer also spoke with the original caller who stated he observed both of the males in their kayaks past the danger signs by the dam.  He stated that one of the males began struggling with the current pulling him in and shortly after capsized.  The other male capsized sometime after this.  Both males were wearing life jackets.
  