Kayaker Death On Little Pigeon River

Kayaker Death Occurs On Little Pigeon River After Capsizing

Kayaker death occurred on Thursday July 2, 2015. A 53-year-old man from North Carolina died while kayaking on the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is reported he capsized while kayaking in the river. His body floated to where friends got him out of the water. Emergency care was given including CPR after park rangers, fire and police responders arrived on the scene. The man was transported to a local hospital but died. The man was identified as Kenneth Worthington from Apex, North Carolina.

Kayaker Dies in Middle Prong of Little Pigeon River in GSM

Streams and rivers in the mountains can be shallow but after a storm they can quickly become a deep and rapid flowing body of water. There are also many rocks large and small in the riverbed and along the rivers path that can be dangerous to swimmers, rafters and kayakers.

Also rocks in or near mountain streams and rivers can be slippery due to moss or water spray. Crossing a mountain stream or river by jumping from rock to rock can be dangerous.  Wet rocks  can be very slippery resulting in falls and injuries. Always proceed with caution when around streams and rivers in the Great Smoky Mountains. And don’t drink the water. The water can be contaminated and cause gastrointestinal problems.