CHAFFEE COUNTY — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) says a man died in what they are calling a tragic accident during a private kayaking trip down the Arkansas River.
It happened Tuesday night north of Buena Vista, which is located in Chaffee County.
CPW says a group of three kayakers went down a part of the river that is designated as Class V Rapids, which is the most difficult classification.
According to witnesses, the victim's kayak got stuck on the bottom of one of the rapids. Eventually, other members of the group were able to pull them to shore.
CPW says they tried to save the man by giving him CPR, but they were unable to.
According to CPW, all of the kayakers were wearing proper equipment at the time of the incident. They also say that this part of the Arkansas River is running high right now due to spring run-off from snowmelt.
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Powerful spring storm will rock Southern Colorado today and Tuesday
After a gorgeous weekend, we're looking at a very busy start to the week for Southern Colorado. A powerful spring storm will produce widespread 30-50 mph gusts on Monday. These dry, downslope winds will increase fire danger on Monday along and east of the I-25 corridor. Red Flag Warnings will be in effect from 11 am until 7 pm.
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