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
ANALYSIS: Loose lines are extremely dangerous when a raft pins, and must be stowed carefully to avoid problems.
