Florida Woman Dies in Gauley Rafting Accident
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Posted: 9:33 AM Oct 4, 2008
Florida Woman Dies in Gauley Rafting Accident
A Florida woman has died of a heart attack following a whitewater rafting accident on West Virginia's Gauley River.
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. (AP) -- A Florida woman has died of a heart attack following a whitewater rafting accident on West Virginia's Gauley River.

National Park Service Ranger Gary Hartley says the 62-year-old woman died in an ambulance on her way to a hospital Friday. Hartley declined to release her name pending notification of relatives.

Hartley says the woman was on a raft that flipped going through a particularly dangerous rapid known as Pillow Rock. After the guide pulled everyone from the water below the rapid, Hartley says the woman began having trouble breathing.

Hartley says the guide beached the raft and called for help. The woman went into cardiac arrest after National Park Service rangers arrived. Hartley says their efforts to revive the woman were unsuccessful.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Earl on Oct 8, 2008 at 01:32 PM

This woman was a long time friend of mine. The last time I saw her was a few days before this trip. She was very excited about it. This was her 6th trip to these rapids. She was talking about her "Bucket List" and how she has accomplished everything on it. She was an amazing woman.
Posted by: Joe on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:32 AM

I myself would rather leave this earth enjoying myself than in a hospital bed with a terrible illness. I hope she died enjoying life....
Posted by: Debbie on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:59 AM

sad, part of the draw to rafting is danger, people who raft accept the risk, I doubt this will deter them. They say she had a heart attack, but you'd have to wonder if she aspirated river water. If you aspirate it doesn't take much to cause an arrest. I've never done the Gauley, I have the New River, almost got my leg broke, but I'd do it again.
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