Old browser warning
Site look funky? Your browser is so old standards-based layouts and styling confuse it. Consider updating. One excellent option is Mozilla Firefox, versions of which are available for Linux, Mac and Windows.
Accident Database: Accident #204
| River: | Lochsa River |
| Water Level: | High |
| Difficulty: | IV |
| Accident Code(s): | Equipment trap |
| Injury Code(s): | Other, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 53 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Experienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Raft |
| Number of Occupants: | 4 |
| Number in Group: | 4 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Detailed Description: | RAFTER, SNAGGED IN LINE, DROWNS ON
LOCHSA
RIVER
DESCRIPTION: The Lochsa is one of the most popular runs in
Northern Idaho
, offering many class III-IV rapids. On May 22, 1994 Russell Fraleigh, 53, was rafting with three friends when their raft hit a midstream rock and wrapped. Three of the men were thrown clear, but Fraleigh held on to a line and tried to climb back onto the raft. He somehow became entangled in the rope and was pulled under water. Eventually a rescuer, assisted by a throw line from shore, got out to the raft, punctured a tube, and released the pin. The group recovered Fraleigh's body and began CPR, but could not revive him.
SOURCE: NORS Currents |
| Conclusions: | ANALYSIS: Loose lines are extremely dangerous when a raft pins, and must be stowed carefully to avoid problems.
|
| Report Status: | Completed |
