Tragic kayaking accident on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista claims lives

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has reported a tragic fatality during a private kayaking trip on the Arkansas River north of Buena Vista. The accident occurred late Tuesday afternoon when a private kayaking group with three boats encountered difficulty on a technically challenging Class V section of the river.

Witnesses described the gruesome scene, explaining that a kayaker was trapped in a “strong, raging rapid” at the base of Pine Creek Rapid. The kayak was overtaken by the powerful waters and the trapped man was quickly pulled to shore by other members of his party. Despite their quick efforts to perform CPR while waiting for rescue personnel, attempts to revive the kayaker were unsuccessful. CPW confirmed that the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

This heartbreaking incident marks another grim event in an already dangerous June on Colorado’s waters. Since Saturday, several people have been rescued from various water accidents and at least three people have lost their lives.

The kayaker’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with navigating the state’s rivers, especially during high water and difficult conditions. CPW urges all outdoor enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution and ensure they are adequately prepared and equipped for the conditions they may encounter.

While the investigation into this incident continues, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased. This tragedy underscores the importance of safety and preparation for anyone venturing into Colorado’s beautiful, but often unpredictable, natural waterways.

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television for over 40 years. He began his career as a high school student in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career took him to Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma and finally Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community. He was a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and currently serves on the board of the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days enjoying all that the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They have raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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