Colorado kayaker dies after fall at Benham Falls
The man, 62, apparently was scouting the rapids
Published Aug 2, 2014 The Bulletin; Bend, OR
A kayaker who was scouting Benham Falls suffered fatal injuries this morning after falling from a cliff. He was identified as Daniel D. Lowry, 62, of Dolores, Colo., according to a news release from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Lowry fell about 40 to 50 feet into water approximately 2 feet deep along the Benham Falls day use area.
People who were at the day use area were unable to rescue him safely because of his injuries, limited access to the base of the cliff and the nearness to the swift-moving Deschutes River, the release said. Deschutes County 911 was called shortly before 9 a.m.; sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, medics from the Bend and Sunriver fire departments, and Deschutes County Search and Rescue all responded to the call. Bend medics were able to move Lowry to safer ground and began lifesaving efforts, but he died at the scene. Lowry was planning to kayak Benham Falls and probably was scouting the rapids in preparation, the sheriff’s office said, adding that there was no indication of foul play.
