LARIMER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Justin E. Smith, Sheriff

Rafter Death

Date:    June 23, 2011

A rafting accident on the Poudre River left one rafter dead and one with a suspected broken leg today.  At approximately 12:40 p.m. this afternoon, Larimer County Emergency Services and the Larimer County Dive Rescue Team were dispatched to assist Poudre Canyon Fire Department on the report of two rafters stuck on an island across from the Mishawaka Inn and one rafter missing.  The accident occurred near 13714 West Highway 14, west of Fort Collins.

Upon arrival, two rafters were found stuck on an island requiring rescue.  A third rafter was injured with a suspected broken leg and the fourth rafter required cardio pulmonary resuscitation and later died on scene.  A medical evacuation helicopter was dispatched along with ambulances from Poudre Valley Ambulance.

The Larimer County Search and Rescue Team was called in to assist the Dive and Rescue Team with a rope rescue of the stranded rafters.  Subsequently, the stranded rafters were returned to shore by the rafting company.  They were not injured.  The rafters were wearing wetsuits and were part of a commercial rafting trip operated by Rocky Mountain Adventures of Fort Collins.

The identity of the victim as well as the manner and cause of death will be determined by the Larimer County Coroner.  The injured rafter was transported to Medical Center of the Rockies by helicopter.  His condition is unknown.

The age, sex, and hometowns of the people involved were not immediately available.

No further information is available at this time.