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Kayaker dies on Arkansas River south of Buena Vista after boat capsizes

By June 7, 2025 | updated 6 months ago

Colorado Trail bikepack trip Collegiate Peaks Wilderness bypass
FILE - A kayaker paddles his kayak in the Arkansas River, as seen from Chaffee County Road 371, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 along a stretch of the river north of Buena Vista, Colorado.
Jonathan Ingraham/Denver Gazette

A kayaker was pronounced dead after capsizing from a kayak while paddling on the Arkansas River Friday afternoon south of Buena Vista.

Even though lifesaving CPR efforts were performed on the 35-year-old man, a bystander and paramedics were unable to revive the man.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) rangers from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), along with Chaffee County EMS, Chaffee County Fire and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call around 3:15 p.m.

The call was in response to CPR in progress after two private boaters in inflatable kayaks capsized their crafts on a trip down the Arkansas River. 

One kayaker was fortunately able to swim to shore, however, the other became unconscious after capsizing their kayak.

A bystander followed the victim using their own kayak and eventually pulled the victim to shore above Johnsons Village, approximately 2 miles south of Buena Vista. Once ashore, the bystander began CPR and called 911.

CPW officials said resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the 35-year-old man was pronounced deceased on scene by the Chaffee County Coroner.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim,” Tom Waters, AHRA park manager said. “This appears to be a tragic accident.”

Waters noted both kayakers had appropriate safety equipment for this section of whitewater, including dry suits, personal flotation devices and helmets.

CPW said the water temperature at the time of the drowning was 52 degrees, the river was running at 1,780 cubic feet per second.

Waters urged the public to check conditions by calling the AHRA office before entering the river and to consider using a commercial rafting company if they are unfamiliar with the area or conditions.

(Contact Denver Gazette Digital Strategist Jonathan Ingraham at jonathan.ingraham@denvergazette.com or on X at @Skingraham.)

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