There was a drowning today in Goshen Pass

[bambam]

At times it's difficult to not sound insensitive online. This is one of those times.

The news has gotten around fast enough that I pray next-of-kin have been notified.

Mercer Yost (sp?) is the name given to us by a fellow who was in his group. He was living in the Carolina's.

We arrived on the scene via route 39 as we were unwinding shuttle. By the time we got there rescue squad equipment was on the scene and a dozen or two paddlers were scattered about the rapid trying to effect a rescue.

When I arrived there was a rope leading to the spot where the big boulder in the center meets the root ball of the tree which has been lodged in the rapid for a couple of years now.

I recognized several boaters on the scene from my view from the road. In addition to my obvious, I hope, thoughts for the victim and his family and friends, I offer thoughts to my friends who were out there trying to help. We were all too late and even if in time I don't know that it would have mattered.

I admire your efforts and thank you for trying.

Ken Dubel

Hi Terri,
I guess it will get around, but there was a drowning near Goshen Pass this afternoon. I saw it happen in the Devils Kitchen area by the huge bolder on the right you're supposed to apparently avoid. I called in to 911, but it was already too late. A dozen emergency vehicles eventually showed up and it took almost an hour to get the body from under the rock. Some upset floaters, but as we know, it is a risky sport and we chose to be risk takers. Be careful out there!
Devan

I hate to post this - my thoughts are with whoever is involved... I don't know who or what yet except what's in this news clip...

http://www.wsls.com/sls/news/local/arti ... ass/31884/

[billh1970]

Mercer Oast was his name. I think he lived in the Greensboro area.

Thank you for the comments, Ken.

Mercer Yost (sp?) is the name given to us by a fellow who was in his group. He was living in the Carolina's.

[guy66]

That is sad news...

[jules]

Horrible.

[Raymond]

It had to have been a tough day for everyone who was there.

My thoughts are with everyone who witnessed this sad and tragic event, and especially with Mercer's family and friends.

Barb had posted this on the Community board as well.

http://www.coastals.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6605

[bambam]

Mercer Oast was his name. I think he lived in the Greensboro area.

Thank you for the comments, Ken.

Thanks back for the clarification Bill.

I found him in the Carolina Canoe Club roster.

Tears,

Ken Dubel

[Alicia]

My thoughts, too, go out to his family & friends, & the rescuers. It is truly a sobering event.

[WilsonMW]

Myself and two other Richmond paddlers put on the river with this group today. We were a bit downstream when the tragedy occurred.
Thoughts and prayers go out.
Michael W.

[Shannon]

I don't know what to say, my prayers go out to him, his family, his friends, and to those who were there.

[SteveC1]

I was with Mercer and his friends during the accident yesterday. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Mercer's family and friends, including all of his paddling buddies. Out of respect to his family, I will not post any details here, but rather I will post my detailed account of the events under the appropriate Community Forum topic.

Steve Cates

[jhatcher_md]

I wanted to thank the people who were involved in the rescue/extraction of mercer oast yesterday. his wife also would like to thank those who were involved.
mercer and i had paddled with the coastals the last 2 years on the New river during gauley fest. many of you may remember him as the gregarious short guy. also, he and i both won boats at last years AW raffle.
he and i both appreciated the kindness of the group during those weekends and the great people that we got to spend time with.
again, my thanks to those who tried to help him yesterday.
peace
jeff hatcher

[GDalton]

If anyone hears details of any service for Mr. Oast, would you post them here please, or at least email me if possible.

We'd like to send our condolences to his family and friends - my thoughts are with you right now.

Thanks,
Gordon Dalton

[jules]

Wed afternoon: http://obituaries.news-record.com/News- ... =125624890

[Potstech]

Being new to the sport and this group please send my condolences to the family. It is a tragic event especially for one, who from the way you all talk, was well loved and thought of by all.

[jules]

From the CCC list, sounds good.


In lieu of flowers, I challenge you to make a donation to American
Whitewater or America Canoe Association

American Whitewater
We have set up a fund in memory of Mercer Oast. Donations can be made to:
American Whitewater
PO Box 1540 Cullowhee, NC 28723
Please have the donor put "Mercer Oast Fund" in the memo field of the check
so that AW accounting and membership staff know how to credit the donation.
or
America Canoe Association
American Canoe Association
1340 Central Park Blvd, Suite 210
Fredericksburg, VA 22401