Kayaker dies on Arkansas River near Buena Vista

(CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo.) — A man died during a private kayaking trip on the Arkansas River in Chaffee County on Tuesday, June 4, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

CPW said the initial call for help was received around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday by the Chaffee County dispatch center, in which a private kayaking group reported an accident in a highly technical Class V section of the river below the Pine Creek access point.

Crews from multiple agencies responded, including Chaffee County Fire, Chaffee County EMS, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and CPW’s Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA).

According to CPW, witnesses told CPW rangers that a kayaker was navigating a rapid when his boat became trapped in a powerful churning rapid at the bottom of the Pine Creek Rapid. Eventually, the boat was flushed from the rapid and other members of his group pulled the man to shore, where they attempted CPR.

CPW said resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead on scene by the Chaffee County Coroner.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim,” said Tom Waters, AHRA park manager. “This appears to be a tragic accident.”

He noted all three kayakers were experienced in challenging whitewater conditions and had appropriate equipment for this Class V section of whitewater. The river temperature was 53 degrees and the river was running high as the spring run-off from snowmelt is near its peak.

Waters urged the public to check conditions by calling the AHRA before entering the river and to consider using commercial rafting companies.

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