RedactedNarrative: On September 3, 2017, five subjects entered the water at Roaring River Wildlife Boating Access in Roaring River at approximately 1730.  The five subjects were floating on kayaks.  Three people were all in their own single seat kayaks. 
  
  Operator and Occupant1 were in a tandem Ocean Kayak equipped with a trolling motor and paddle.  The group floated down to the first island in the river from the boat launch, just up river from Big Bugaboo Creek.  The group stayed on the island for some time.  
  
  They launched again and paddled downstream.  The larger tandem kayak that held Operator and Occupant1 launched downstream behind the group approximately 40 yards.  Operator was in the back and Occupant1 in the front.  Upon putting back in the water from the island, the current took the Ocean Kayak into an over-hanging tree to the North side of the island at approximately 1930.  According to Operator, the current around the tree caused the kayak to capsize throwing both occupants into the water.  Neither occupant was wearing a PFD.  According to Operator, Occupant1 went under the water.  Operator was able to get Occupant1 out from under the water and Occupant1 was able to hold onto the over-hanging tree.  
  
  Two people stated that they returned to try and assist Occupant1.  Subject1 also stated that he returned with a PFD.  Operator stated that he then attempted to put the life jacket on Occupant1 but was unsuccessful.  Operator said both he and Occupant1 held onto the overhanging tree for approximately 10 minutes.  Operator was trying to convince Occupant1 to let go of the tree so they could swim to shore and get Occupant1 out of the water.  Operator said that Occupant1 complained of being cold.  Operator stated he reached a point of physical exhaustion and had to let go of both the tree and Occupant1.  Upon releasing his hold, Operator drifted downstream.  While swimming/floating downstream, Operator observed Occupant1 let go of the tree and disappear under the water, not to resurface.  Occupant1 was DOA when first responders and EMS arrived.  First responders recovered the victim from the river.
  
  Operator stated that Occupant1 became very weak once going into the water after the kayak capsized.  He explained that Occupant1 had been undergoing chemotherapy.
  
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