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3rd Rafting Death in One Week Occurs in WV

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Posted: 5:05 PM May 25, 2008
Last Updated: 5:05 PM May 25, 2008
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

13 comments

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- A Connecticut man is the second person to die while rafting the Cheat River this month, according to the state Division of Natural Resources.

Nicholas J. Hercun, 32, of Fairfield, Conn. was on a rafting trip with several other people guided by Cheat River Outfitters.

Officials did not immediately have more details, but say the accident occurred Saturday near part of the river commonly called the "Big Nasty" in Preston County.

Hercun's death is the state's third whitewater fatality in a week.

On May 17, New Yorker Vicki Jane Miller-Savard died while rafting on the Cheat. Three days later, Oklahoman Charles R. Brown died in a rafting accident on the New River.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Jim on Jun 1, 2008 at 09:44 PM
This comment is directed to Michelle. First, you say that you went rafting with Songer and felt safe. This may have been true, but I wish you would have spent the necessary time researcing Songer's record of customer deaths before carelessly implying that guides at another outfitter are unskilled. I have been guiding for nearly a decade on rivers throughout WV and Maryland, and can honestly say that ability often pales in comparison to the power of the water-or even blind bad luck. One example: Tim Gavin, one of the best kayakers in the region was killed on the Blackwater. If given more than 1000 characters to respond to your post, I would provide more examples of ability being trumped by luck and water. As I am running out of space, I will end with this: Please, if you weren't there and aren't a river guide, experienced paddler, or rescue professional, don't comment as if you are. In short, if you don't know what you're talking about, perhaps you should keep your mouth shut.

Posted by: stephen on May 28, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Dear Aquaman, Did you know that over 400 people are killed each year on WV highways? These are people driving home from work, a kid's soccer game, a Sunday morning church service, a romantic dinner, visiting a grandfather in the hospital, and the list goes on. Did you know over 4,000 American soldiers have died in Iraq? My point is this...these fine people were not "thrill seeking"! They were going through their daily lives on the course that God has put in front of them and, sad to say, are dead. Millions of dollars are brought into this state from tourists. The ATV, whitewater rafting, skiing, arts and crafts, music, restaurant, and lodging businesses are thriving. We, as citizens of the great state of WV, need to support these businesses no matter what happens. Finally, Aquaman, before you classify us "thrill-seekers" as being in the "lower gene pool", learn to use a dictionary! Also, when you write our Lord's name, show some respect and capitalize the G!

Posted by: booger on May 27, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Hmmm. Aquaman. You seem like a VERY boring person.

Posted by: Wendy on May 27, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Show some respect "aquaman". They "did it" to celebrate a marriage - not because "it was there". A man lost his life and his brother, cousin and friends, who fought to save him, are grieving (not to mention his family and friends back home). Seven men left CT to enjoy a bachelor weekend and six came home. Had they been told a woman had died that same week they could have made an informed decision about rafting with Cheat River Outfitters. Choose another venue for your self-righteous rant.

Posted by: aquaman on May 27, 2008 at 02:35 AM
The 'we did it because it was there' syndrome affects otherwise normal(?) individuals. Life is fragile and god has a way of sorting out the lower gene pools'. These people were doing something they thought they would enjoy; cemetaries' are full of 'em. If you want an adreneline rush, offer yourself up to the betterment of mankind,as in: volunteer for infantry in the armed services; pick up trash along the interstate, patrol the mexican-american border on the night-shift. In other words people, get a life. Instead of boasting about the thrills you had doing this or that, talk of the elderly gentleman you had lunch with at the local nursing home. Fondly recall the smile you left on the sexually and/or physically abused child that you took out for lunch/movie from the state run institution. Oh there's nothing wrong with a little exercise to keep ones' body in shape. And not to stereotype, but 99.9% of these Mt. Everest climbing type make 99.9% of the rest of the planet want to PUKE. BLAAA

Posted by: Debora on May 26, 2008 at 06:47 PM
My husband and I just returned from rafting with "River Expeditions". It is always sad for anyone to die premeturely. We too went "swimming". At one point in our trip all the guides in the rafts (there were 5) were intentionaly trying to tip the rafts. I am not a STRONG swimmer by no means and while I knew the risks, and knew I might get thrown from the raft I did not like the fact that 3 of us were thrown while the guide was trying to get the whole raft to tip. My husband and I were both thrown, and panicked, and knew that was it for us. We had already had a trip schduled for the following day on the "baby run" and thought about skipping it. We did not since we could not get our money back, we were shocked on that second day that we never saw anyone from that outfit check on any life vests to make sure they were on properly. It was not until we were on the water that our guide fixed some of the others. My hubby and I had ours done properly since we had done this before. Never again.

Posted by: Jim on May 26, 2008 at 10:07 AM
My first and last time,went with 5 men from work and 2 got caught in current under over hanging rocks and came very close to drowning they were strong swimmers and thats all that saved them!I like many others thought if you can swim its no big thing,but panic or not the force that pins you is tremendous.Great fun,,,till you see or are part of the "accident"

Posted by: to sandy on May 26, 2008 at 02:33 AM
one is to many

Posted by: Michelle on May 25, 2008 at 11:43 PM
That is the second person that has died while rafting with Cheat River Outfitters. Maybe that should tell them something. When I went in March we used Songer and when we were thrown out of the raft and it took them no time to get us all out of the water. The first thing they told us was try not to panic, it's easier said than done but it can save your life. We knew the dangers before we got on the raft and they even have you sign a waiver before you get in the water. I do think that they should have more than one guide on the raft at all times. I think what helped us out so much was that they had three other rafts with Trainee's on it and they are the ones who pulled me out of the water. When you get put in a situation like that it's hard not to panic, just pray that you have a SKILLED professional to help you.

Posted by: nightshade on May 25, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Wow. I am sorry to hear of those deaths happening during what should have been a good time. I have never been whitewater rafting, but it looks like it would be a wild ride!

Posted by: Michelle on May 25, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Well, Joe first of all any sport is dangerous and needs to have safety rules. And 2nd we should all take a moment to remember the 3 people who died this week and also be thankful that they came to WV to take advantage of the many reasons why we are called Wild and Wonderful! Support WV Tourism! My thoughts are w/ the families of those who lost their lives this week. Your fellow Whitewater enthusiast. Michelle

Posted by: Sandy on May 25, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Hey Joe, A lot less people die white water rafting here in the state than they do on ATV's.

Posted by: Joe on May 25, 2008 at 06:14 PM
And all we hear about is ATV accidents. Maybe the West Virginia legislature should waste tax payer dollars trying to control white water rafting. Maybe all people white water rafting should wear oxygen tanks.

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