AHRA rangers respond to a call of CPR in progress after two rafts capsize, causing one fatality
Joey Livingston
BUENA VISTA, Colo. – Yesterday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) rangers from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), along with Chaffee County EMS, Chaffee County Fire and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of CPR in progress after two private boaters in inflatable kayaks capsized their crafts on a trip down the Arkansas River near Buena Vista. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. One kayaker was able to swim to shore, while the other became unconscious after capsizing their kayak. A bystander followed the victim using their own kayak and eventually pulled the victim to shore above Johnsons Village, south of Buena Vista. Once on shore, the bystander began CPR and called 911.
The call for help came into the Chaffee County dispatch center at 3:15 p.m., prompting an immediate response from multiple agencies, including Chaffee County Fire, Chaffee County EMS, Chaffee County Sheriff's Office, and CPW.
Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the 35-year-old man was pronounced deceased 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 both kayakers had appropriate safety equipment for this section of whitewater, including dry suits, personal flotation devices and helmets.
The water temperature was 52 degrees, the river was running at 1,780 cubic feet per second and the weather was 62 degrees, cloudy with scattered showers.
Waters urged the public to check conditions by calling the AHRA office before entering the river and to consider using a commercial rafting company if they are unfamiliar with the area or conditions.
The AHRA is managed through a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Formed in 1989, this partnership allows agencies to provide visitors with recreation opportunities and care for significant natural resources of the upper Arkansas River valley.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
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