RedactedNarrative: On june 28, 2015, 8 subjects listed in this report floated the james river in botetourt county.  The james river's water level was approximately 7 feet above normal due to recent storm run-off.  The group's vessels consisted of 3 jon boats, 2 were flat bottoms and the other was a v-hull boat. 
   
   members of the group admitted to consuming some alcohol during the trip.  They reportedly had life preservers for each subject, although none of the people wore them.  The deceased, victim, also did not know how to swim.
   
   the group had floated from springwood boat ramp to the buchanan boat ramp in about an hour and a half with the swift water.  That trip normally takes 4 hours.  The group thought about returning to their put in location in order to float it again, but decided to try and make the buchanan to arcadia float since none of the members had ever done that trip.
   
   the group reached the area downstream from the buchanan boat ramp commonly referred to as the "quarry rapids."  this area is normally a class ii rapid but becomes dangerous when water levels rise.  They stated a large log/tree was lying across the river and victim's boat struck the tree, causing its bow to dip into the water under the log.  The jon boat was forced up into the air and victim and the other two occupants were forced out of the boat.  Victim Was seen bobbing downstream several times. Victim’s daughter's boat was forced up into some boulders where she was able to grab her phone and call 911.
   
  Botetourt ems personnel arrived to rescue the group and were able to locate victim's body a short distance downstream where they pronounced him dead.  
   
   i conducted a follow-up investigation in the area when the water level receeded and was able to document the log across the river. Two of the vessels involved were located along the shoreline, but victim's boat was never found.
   