Kayaker drowns in Rogue capsizing


Monday, June 30, 2008 | 3 comment(s)

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A California woman died Friday after the kayak she was riding capsized in the Blossom Bar rapids on the upper Rogue River.

According to a Curry County Sheriff’s Office press release, a two-person inflatable kayak was passing through the class-four rapids at about 2:30 p.m. when it hit a rock. Both occupants fell out and strong currents pulled them under water.

According to Sheriff John Bishop, Cynthia Vontungein, 56, of Irvine, Calif., became caught between rocks and drowned.

Rescuers got the other kayaker, Michelle Shillinglaw, 38, of Austin, Texas, and took her to Curry General Hospital in Gold Beach.

Personnel tried unsuccessfully several times to free the body. On one attempt, Marine Deputy Ted Heath and Bishop almost had to jump off of the marine boat as it approached a rock while going through the rapids. They were trying to reach a rescuer stranded on a rock in the middle of Blossom Bar. Heath was able to get the motor running again and kept the boat from hitting the rocks and capsizing.

Efforts to retrieve Vontungein’s body since have been unsuccessful.

“She’s just wedged between the rocks in a spot we can’t get to,” Bishop said.
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ononomous wrote on Jun 30, 2008 4:32 PM:

could the body be retieved from the air?
it is always a sad thing when someone dies while having fun.

clarence wrote on Jun 30, 2008 2:52 PM:

May God be with all through this rescue attemp and keep them all safe and be with any and all greiving family members our prayers are with you

Tahiti Tom wrote on Jun 30, 2008 1:14 PM:

Wow! This is a serious river and especially this section. It is not recommended for inflatable two-person kayaks which typically are rated for max of class II rapids. Maybe BLM should post a bigger sign at Grave Creek, or stop the reckless "don't have a clue" tourists before they launch. Go to a water park for your thrills. The wild and scenic section of the Rogue is not a place for novices or beginners to learn and if you decide to go there, please go with a experienced guide who has lots of experience


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