Little River Canyon |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-2023. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
|
Wednesday, June 21, 1995 During a hike on the Powell trail on June 13th, W.B. of Chattanooga ventured off the trail into the Little River and slipped into a deep hole. W.B., who could not swim, surfaced once, then disappeared. His companion, Gwendolyn Deems, hiked through the darkness to seek help. Rangers and members of the local rescue squad searched for W.B. and subsequently found his body in the river near the point last seen. Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/19]
On June 25th, S.S. of Fyffe, Alabama, leaped from Lynn overlook in an attempt to take his life. S.S. fell about 45 feet and suffered head, back and leg injuries. He was pulled form the canyon floor by local rescue squad members and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Chattanooga, where he is listed in critical condition. S.S. has left a note in his vehicle regarding his intentions. Two days later, employees in a local store found a note in which William Brewer of Fort Payne, Alabama, expressed his intention to commit suicide at the canyon. Rangers and local police officers were dispatched to the area to find him. A police officer found him preparing to jump from a 150- foot cliff at Crow Point and was able to talk him out of jumping. He was taken into custody for medical evaluation. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/29]
Over the past two weeks, seven vehicles at popular swimming holes in the park have been hit by car clouters. Numerous items were taken, including cash, cameras, and stereo equipment; total losses were in the thousands of dollars. Most entries were made by breaking side windows. A joint investigation by park rangers and state officers is underway. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/29]
On the evening of June 29th, R.R., a park visitor, caught three individuals - N.W., R.T.mas and a juvenile - breaking into his vehicle; he took their car keys to prevent them from leaving the area and advised the park. The chief ranger responded, conducted a consent search of the vehicle, and found items belonging to R.R. in the back seat. The three were arrested; the adults were taken before a U.S. magistrate the next day and charged with felony burglary, the juvenile was turned over to his stepfather. A search of R.T. and N.W.'s residence led to the discovery of other items that may have been taken in car clouts. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI]
M.G. of Fort Payne was swimming with friends in a pool below Little River Falls on July 18th when he dove off a rock outcropping and struck his head on a submerged rock. Rescue teams used high angle rescue techniques to evacuate M.G.. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and observation. Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI]
Just after noon on August 8th, several reports were received that a small plane had gone down in the north end of the park. Reporting parties said that they'd heard a small plane overhead, that the engine began sputtering, and that it had then struck trees. A multi-agency search was begun, but ended at dark with no signs of the plane found. Investigators found no reports of missing or overdue planes, so the search was discontinued. [CR, LIRI]
B.S., 44, and her husband, both from Birmingham, were visiting Lynn overlook on the afternoon of September 2nd. B.S. walked to the edge of a bluff, where she apparently lost her balance and fell about 65 feet. Rangers and rescue personnel were on scene within 30 minutes and found her dead upon arrival. An investigation into the reason for her fall is being conducted. [CR, LIRI]
Reports have been received from more than a dozen parks affected by Hurricane Opal: * Little River - The eye of the hurricane passed over the park. Extreme flooding conditions exist in the canyon. The park campground at the canyon's mouth is completely submerged. Power outages are widespread. Sustained winds of about 75 mph knocked down numerous trees and blocked the scenic rim drive. No buildings were damaged, however, and all roads were reopened by 1 p.m. [Jason Houck, CR, GRSM; Mark Lewis, DR, GUIS; Steve Hickman, IC, JELA; Jerry Eubanks, Superintendent, GUIS; Steve Smith and Bill Sturgeon, RAD/SEFO; Pat Reed, CHCH; Mary Jones, HOBE; Barbara Goodman, DESO; Greg Stiles, SHEN]
Ranger Dwight Dixon received a call of a "man down" at Little River Falls on November 27th. When Dixon and emergency personnel arrived, they found J.J. of Gaylesville, Alabama, lying unconscious on a nearby trail. J.J. had suffered from a drug overdose. He was taken to a local hospital, where he is currently in intensive care. J.J. had recently lost his job and was in the process of a divorce. [CR, LIRI]
On January 27th, ranger Larry Johnson contacted a hiker at the Eberhardt Point trailhead. The man was later identified as A.P., who had recently escaped from the Fort Payne city jail. A.P. was last seen hiking north, deeper into the canyon. Attempts to locate and capture him are continuing. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI]
A fight which broke out at the Highway 35 bridge in the park around 1 a.m. on May 8th resulted in the death of one of the principals. T.O., 20, and E.K., 18, got into an argument; E.K. got T.O. in a headlock and evidently crushed his larynx. E.K. is under arrest and will be charged with manslaughter. A joint investigation by the park, FBI and county sheriff's office is underway. [Bill Springer, LIRI]
On the evening of June 22nd, rangers received a report of a falling victim at Little River Canyon Falls and responded along with state park rangers, local police officers and rescue squads. J.R., 22, of Rome, Georgia, had slipped and fallen about 30 feet off the falls, struck the rocks below, and rolled unconscious into deep water under the fall. Several bystanders pulled J.R. to the surface and resuscitated him. A technical rope system was used to evacuate J.R. from the canyon. He was flown to a hospital in Chattanooga, where he was treated and released the following morning. [CR, LIRI]
On June 29th, rangers were flagged down by visitors who said that there'd been a falling accident at the railroad trestle at the southern end of the park. They found that L.B., 19, of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, had fallen about 30 feet from the top of the trestle to the rocks below. L.B. was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI]
On July 7th, rangers received a report that a man had fallen from Little River Falls. Upon arrival, they found that B.B., 42, had slipped and fallen about 20 feet, and had suffered a possible broken leg and arm. Rescue workers employed a rope system to evacuate him to the top of the falls. Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI]
On May 8th, G.M., 23, of Fort Payne, Alabama, was arrested for possession of three ounces of marijuana which had been packaged in smaller bags for resale. G.M. also had over $2,500 in pre-paid long distance phone call cards in his possession. A check of the cards revealed that some may be stolen and others may be fraudulent. The Secret Service is assisting in the investigation of the phone cards. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 5/19]
On June 10th, G.D. told rangers that a friend of his, D.D., 47, who was distraught and suicidal due to personal problems, had jumped from G.D.'s vehicle near the falls and screamed that he intended to commit suicide. G.D. last saw D.D. standing on the edge of the falls. When rangers arrived a few moments later, D.D. could not be located. A quick search was conducted of the falls and surrounding woods, but no sign of him could be found. A dive team was called in and searched the water below the falls while a more exhaustive search was continued for several hours in the wooded area. Both efforts proved fruitless and were accordingly suspended. G.D. called the park office that evening to say that D.D. had left a note on his door stating that he was all right. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/11]
On July 2nd, rangers received a report that kayaker J.T. had gone over the Little River Falls and had been knocked unconscious. Seasonal ranger John Bittner, who was off duty at the time, happened to be swimming below the falls when the accident occurred. He saw J.T. underwater and upside down in his kayak, and it soon became apparent that J.T. was in trouble. Bittner dove into the water, pulled the unconscious J.T. to the surface, and established an airway. Bittner then pulled J.T. to shore, where he regained consciousness before rescue units arrived. J.T. refused medical attention and left under his own power. The falls are popular for experienced kayakers and can be negotiated at higher water levels. J.T. said that he had checked the water level and had been over the falls several times previously. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 7/4]
On July 7th and 8th, rangers assisted county and state officers in locating and eradicating marijuana cultivation sites in the county. Over 1,800 plants were located and destroyed. Their street value has been placed at $2.5 million. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 7/9]
A woman fell approximately 230 feet to her death at Weaver overlook around 5 p.m. on October 12th. According to witnesses, she was leaning over the canyon when she fell. Rangers responded and found the body. Local agencies assisted in recovering her remains. [Bill Springer, Superintendent, LIRI, 10/15]
The investigation into the falling death of L.J. from Weaver overlook on October 12th is continuing. Information has been received which indicates that the fall may not have been accidental. The FBI has been notified; agents are assisting rangers and local investigators with interviews and further investigation. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 10/21]
J.H., 26, of Hokes Bluff, Alabama, was negotiating a narrow chute over a two-foot-high fall on the Little River on December 22nd when the front of his kayak became lodged under some rocks and the back of the kayak became submerged under the falls. Due to the strength of the river and the narrowness of the chute, he was unable to right himself or get out of the kayak. Two friends who were photographing him from rocks in the river tried to free J.H. from the kayak for over 30 minutes but were unsuccessful. After exhausting all efforts to free him, they hiked out to seek assistance. Rescue teams worked approximately five hours into the night to free J.H. and haul him over a thousand feet up 75 to 85 degree slopes to the rim of the canyon. Over 40 people were involved in the incident, including NPS and state rangers and local fire and rescue teams. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 12/23]
D.A., 49, of Birmingham, Alabama, was kayaking the Little River with six friends on January 24th when he failed to negotiate the "Road Block" rapid, struck a large boulder, and was knocked from his kayak into a large hydraulic within the rapid. His friends threw him a line, but D.A. was unable to grasp it. D.A. was soon overcome by the cold water and became unconscious. He was eventually washed from the rapid and taken to shore, where his friends began CPR. Rangers and local rescue squads with paramedics were on scene quickly, but were unable to revive D.A.. A technical haul system was employed to lift him to the rim of the canyon. D.A. wa an experienced kayaker with previous runs down the Little River. This is the second drowning of a kayaker on the river within a month. A rainy winter has contributed to more days of high water, which is required for navigation of the river. It is not uncommon to see 40 to 45 kayakers on expert class water on weekends. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 1/25]
F.S. of Fort Payne, Alabama, was found stabbed to death in a private campground adjoining the park on the afternoon of February 26th. Evidence soon surfaced that pointed to F.S.'s grandson, J.F., 24, as a probable suspect. It appeared that J.F. likely fled on foot into the woods and might be in the park, as it borders the campground on two sides. Weapons missing from the crime scene included a .357 pistol and a 12 gauge shotgun. Search teams comprised of park rangers and county, state and local enforcement officers were organized; they were assisted in their search efforts by helicopters and dog teams. The search was enlarged the following day in order to check both the woods and the numerous caves and rock shelters in the area. One search team found the large bowie knife believed to have been used to kill F.S. near a stream crossing. Small surveillance teams utilizing night vision equipment were stationed that evening along major trails and near a state park campground within the NRA and the private campground where the incident took place. The team at the latter location spotted J.F. shortly after midnight as he returned to the campground to get a soda from a vending machine and to try to enter a building. Although he did not have the missing weapons in his possession, he challenged arresting officers with a three-prong deer antler he was holding. It's believed that F.S. was going to evict J.F. from the campground, which precipitated an argument and led to the murder. Satanic symbols were found scribbled and placed on F.S.'s body and on the deer antlers J.F. was holding when arrested. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 3/2]
Rangers received a report of an intoxicated pedestrian walking in traffic along a park road on August 4th. Ranger Dwight Dixon arrived on scene first and heard loud yelling and cursing coming from an area in the woods on the opposite side of the canyon. He contacted J.M., 36, and M.C., 33, at the Little River Falls overlook, who said that they were with the person who'd been reported, identified as Douglas Dewey, 45. Both M.C. and J.M. seemed highly intoxicated. M.C. said that Dewey was her fiance, that they had been fighting, and that he was very upset. She added that Dewey had also been drinking. When Dixon tried to talk to Dewey, Dewey cursed at him and ran off. Dixon pursued him until they got to the canyon rim. Dewey said he didn't want to live any more and told Dixon not to come closer. At this point Dixon inadvertently stepped on and opened a large European wasp nest and was forced to retreat as the wasps swarmed through the area. Dixon used a different route to reach and find Dewey, who had slipped or jumped about six feet to a four-foot-wide ledge below the canyon rim. He was clinging to a small tree and asking for help. Before Dixon or responding rescue teams could reach him, Dewey slipped from the ledge and fell an additional 40 feet to the canyon floor. Rescue teams and rangers worked for over three hours to package and carry Dewey out of the canyon. Dewey suffered various injuries, including a broken left arm and possible abdominal trauma. M.C. and J.M. were arrested on the scene by rangers for public intoxication and held in a local jail until sober. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 8/5]
A local woman contacted rangers on August 7th and reported that she'd been abducted at knife point from a local convenience store during the previous night, then driven to the park, beaten, and repeatedly raped. She was taken back to the store after sun-up and pushed from the vehicle. She identified her attacker as an ex-boyfriend. Ranger Matt Huelskamp assisted with the interview of the victim. Local investigators and FBI agents contacted the man she identified and are participating in the investigation. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 8/10]
On August 7th, D.D., 31, of Collinsville, Alabama, told rangers that she'd been abducted at knife point from a local convenience store during the previous night, then driven to the park, beaten, and repeatedly raped. She identified her attacker as an ex-boyfriend. Ranger Matt Huelskamp investigated and interviewed D.D. along with local detectives and FBI agents. On August 11th, they again interviewed her to clear up inconsistencies in her report. During the interview, she was presented with DNA evidence which contradicted her initial report and she admitted to having made up the entire story. She said that she was trying to locate her ex- boyfriend for child support and was trying to cover up her activities that evening from her husband. D.D. also provided investigators with information on a crack cocaine operation in the area. She is being charged locally with making a false report and is expected to serve time in jail. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 8/12]
Rangers Huelskamp and Clarke responded to a report of a falling victim at Little River Falls on August 16th. They found that a 13-year-old girl had fallen about 15 feet onto rocks while trying to climb the face of the falls, then had slipped into the water. Local rescue squads assisted with the rescue. Injuries included possible broken ribs. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 8/17]
On August 11th, ranger Cody Murphy stopped C.E., 22, of Huntsville, Alabama, for driving his motorcycle off-road. A check on C.E. revealed that he was wanted on a felony warrant. As Murphy prepared to make the arrest, C.E. fled. Murphy caught up with him after a short chase and was able to handcuff C.E., who is 6'3" and weighs 260 pounds. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 8/17]
On October 4th, rangers contacted two separate groups collecting moss and lichen in the park. Both groups were from the Bloom Quest conference, which was being held at an adjoining state park. Over two dozen individuals were contacted, none of whom had permits for collecting in the park. Nine citations were issued for resource violations. Damage to one rock glade was significant. Parks should be aware that Bloom Quest holds conferences nationwide. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 10/6]
On September 27th, ranger Cody Murphy spotted marijuana in a vehicle parked at Little Falls. When he contacted the owner, F.R., he found that she was the same person who had failed to appear in court a week earlier on a previous charge of marijuana possession. A warrant had since been issued for her arrest. Murphy asked F.R. to accompany him to her vehicle so he could discuss what he'd seen with her. She instead became verbally abusive and refused to cooperate. Murphy told her F.R. was under arrest; he attempted to handcuff her, but she pushed him away. During the altercation, a large and hostile crowd gathered. Murphy was able to escort the woman away from the bystanders and again attempted to handcuff her. F.R. again resisted, struck Murphy in the face, and pulled free. Murphy employed pepper spray, but F.R. was able to flee. She was stopped by ranger Jon Newman a short distance away and arrested. On September 28th, F.R. was brought before a federal magistrate and pled guilty to two counts of possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. F.R. also had been convicted of possession in the park a year earlier, making this her third charge. She was fined $1,045, sentenced to two days in jail and three years' probation, ordered to participate in a drug rehabilitation and counseling program, and banned from the park for three years. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 9/29]
Rangers received a report of an injured visitor at Little River Falls on September 27th. Rangers Mike Clarke, Jon Newman and Cody Murphy responded and found that a 16-year-old male who had been diving from the falls had struck a submerged rock and suffered a severe head injury and possible neck and back injuries. He was evacuated to the top of the falls via a technical haul system, then flow from the scene to a hospital. He remained conscious during most of the incident. Doctors treated his head injury, and he was subsequently released from the hospital. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 9/29]
On April 1st, rangers received a report that a visitor had fallen into the canyon. Ranges Matt Huelskamp and Dwight Dixon found that B.C., 19, of Fort Payne, had fallen about 40 feet while trying to free-climb a 50- foot bluff. He suffered lower back, hip and shoulder injuries. The multi- agency rescue took about three hours. B.C. had hiked down into the canyon earlier in the day. When it started to get dark, he tried to climb out rather than take the trail he'd come in on; as he neared the top of the bluff, he became tired and fell to the bottom. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 4/3]
Rangers received a report of an injured child in the river above Little River Falls on May 9th. Ranger Mike Clarke found a 13-year-old boy in the middle of the river, clinging to a small rock outcropping just 20 feet above the 40- foot falls. Clarke strapped on a climbing harness; while tethered to a rope and with the assistance of other rangers, he was able to make his way through swift, chest-deep water to the boy, who was suffering from a broken left ankle. Local rescue teams assisted in the boy's extrication and stabilization. He said that he'd been tubing upstream from the falls, that his tube had gotten away from him, and that he'd injured his ankle when stepping into a hole. The river was high due to recent rains, keeping most everyone else out of the water. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 5/12]
On the evening of May 16th, rangers received a report that three people were overdue from a rafting trip on the river. A search of river access points was conducted over the course of the night, but no sign of them was found. Local rescue squads joined the search the following day. A state park ranger found the group walking along one of the park's roads just as aircraft were about to be brought in to help find them. They said that their raft had been punctured by a stick and that they came ashore and walked until dark, then huddled together to keep warm and resumed walking at first light. They were in relatively good shape except for sunburns and exhaustion. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 5/17]
Two boys, ages 10 and 13, were swept over Little River Falls on June 6th. The older boy had several scrapes and bruises, but was able to walk out of the canyon on his own; the younger boy had a laceration to his scalp and complained of pains in his left leg. He was packages on a stokes basket and raised out of the canyon using a rope haul system. Both boys were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Recent rains have raised river levels, causing the boys to be swept off their feet and carried over the forty-foot falls. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/7]
On June 7th, rangers received a report that a woman had gone over Little River Falls. When they arrived, they found S.D. of Calhoun, Georgia, being cared for by other visitors. Witnesses said that S.D., her daughter, and other friends were crossing the river just upstream of the falls when her daughter slipped and fell. When S.D. reached for her, she too was swept off her feet. A friend was able to grab the daughter, but S.D. was swept over the forty-foot falls. She was knocked unconscious and was floating face down in the water when a park visitor jumped in and brought her to shore. S.D. was strapped into a stokes basket and raised on a rope system to the top of the canyon with the assistance of local rescue squads. Her injuries included facial and scalp lacerations and complaints of tingling in her lower extremities. She was the third person to wash over the falls in a twenty- four hour period. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/8]
J.B. of Lafayette, Georgia, was swimming with friends in the park on June 20th. J.B. went off to swim in a separate pool. After about 30 minutes, his friends became concerned and went to find him. J.B. was found submerged in an eight-foot-deep pool of water. His friends pulled him from the water; some began efforts to resuscitate him, others went for help. When rangers Jon Newman and Mat Huelskamp arrived with other rescuers, they continued CPR, but without success. J.B.'s body was brought to the rim of the canyon via a low-angle rope recovery system. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/22]
On September 6th, M.M., 17, of Acworth, Georgia, was rapelling with friends at Lynn Overlook. As M.M. was leaning back to begin his rappel down the 40-foot bluff, the anchor point failed, sending him plunging to the bottom. Rangers Dwight Dixon and Mike Clarke assisted local rescue teams in stabilizing M.M., and employed a technical haul system to bring him to the rim of the canyon. M.M. suffered severe head injuries, a crushed pelvis, and a broken femur. He was flown by helicopter from the scene to a hospital in Chattanooga, where he's currently in critical condition. Preliminary investigation revealed that the rope being used to rappel was not properly attached to the anchor point and that non-locking carabiniers were being used. M.M. was not wearing a helmet at the time of the fall. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 9/11]
J.W.S., 64, of Leesburg, Georgia, was visiting the canyon with his wife and another couple on November 6th. J.W.S. lost his footing near the canyon rim and fell 60 feet. Rangers and rescue teams found that J.W.S. had died from injuries suffered in the fall. Ranger Matt Huelskamp was first to arrive; he and other visitors attempted CPR, but without success. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 11/7]
In October, 1997, rangers responded to a falling fatality at Weaver Point. L.J., 54, her husband, and a juvenile were said to have been performing a Native American ritual when L.J. lost her balance and fell over 300 feet to her death. A lengthy and extensive investigation was conducted by rangers, FBI agents and local deputies which lead to the filing of murder charges against the juvenile. Additional information will be provided as the case proceeds. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 1/8]
The winter storm that swung through the South, then strengthened and surprised much of the East Coast yesterday, affected offices and parks throughout the area: o Little River Canyon NRA (AL) - The park was struck by a massive ice storm on January 22nd, reportedly the worst in the area since the 1960's. All park roads are closed due to downed trees. Hundreds of thousands of residents were without power at the time of the report, including many park employees. Park and state crews started working Monday to clear roads. Park headquarters and the ranger station now have power and phones. Additional snow and ice are predicted for late Thursday and Friday. Short summaries from other parks affected by this storm would be appreciated and will appear tomorrow. [Jim Carson, CR, JELA, 1/25; CRO, LIRI, 1/25; Steve Ware, CVS, GUCO, 1/25; Dave Barna, WASO, 1/25; Cindy MacLeod, Superintendent, RICH/MAWA, 1/25; Jim Burnett, CR, COLO, 1/25]
Several reports have been received on the impacts of the second major ice storm/snow storm to strike the South and East over the past two weeks: o Little River Canyon NP (AL) - The park was hit by its second ice storm in a week on Friday and Saturday. Some power outages were reported. Many roads which had been cleared following the first storm were again temporarily blocked. About half of the park's Canyon Rim Drive and approximately 12 of the park's 35 miles of management area roads have been reopened. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 1/31; Reed Johnson, Superintendent, APCO, 2/1; Mike Hill, Superintendent, PETE, 1/31; Cindy MacLeod, Superintendent, RICH, 1/31]
Ranger Jon Newman contacted B.N., 18, and two juvenile companions on a park road on April 28th. B.N. and one of the juveniles were found to be carrying 323 ginseng roots (with a total weight of over three pounds) bundled up in two shirts. Some of the plants were found to have been dug up within the park. B.N. and one juvenile will be charged through the state with collecting ginseng out of season and without a permit. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 5/9]
Ranger Dwight Dixon received a call reporting a possible drowning at Blue Hole on the upper Little River on May 9th. Witnesses reported that T.R., 19, of Gadsden, Alabama, had gone under and not resurfaced and that he'd been under for about 15 minutes. T.R. was soon spotted from shore on the bottom of the river, which is about 12 feet deep at that point. Dixon entered the water and brought T.R. to the surface, then got him to shore with a visitor's assistance. T.R. was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, but paramedics were unable to revive him. Witnesses said he was swimming across the river and was about half way across when he began struggling. It's believed that fatigue was a factor. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 5/9]
On May 25th, ranger Jimmy Dunn responded to a tour bus accident on the park's canyon rim road. When he arrived, he found the bus teetering with its front end up in the air and its back end over a small embankment. The 34 passengers, all from a church group from Knoxville, Tennessee, had already gotten out; none was injured. The driver was able to maintain pressure on the brakes and kept the bus from sliding off the embankment until a wrecker arrived and pulled it back onto the road. The first wrecker to respond to the accident was hit head-on just outside the park by a vehicle passing in a no passing zone. The latter vehicle exploded in flames, killing the driver. Heavy rain contributed to the bus accident. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 5/28]
Ranger Jon Newman received a report of a missing 15-year-old at Canyon Mouth Park on May 28th. Although he was part of an Hispanic group which spoke no English, Newman was able to acquire enough information to lead him to believe that the boy had been last seen wading into the river downstream from a popular swimming area and that he had been missing for over an hour. A local rescue squad was summoned to assist in the search. Three boats were utilized to drag that portion of the river. Search teams found him in about six feet of water approximately ten feet from shore, just downstream from the point where he'd last been seen. The boy's sister was part of the group. She told rangers through an interpreter that her brother had just arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala about a week earlier. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 5/29]
On June 17th, rangers received a report of an injured boy who had fallen at Little River Canyon Falls. Ranger Mike Clarke was the first to arrive and found that a 16-year-old boy from Douglasville, Georgia, had fallen 40 feet to the base of the falls. His injuries included head and facial trauma and an open femur fracture. With the assistance of local rescue and ambulance services, the boy was stabilized, evacuated from the canyon via a high angle haul system, and transported to a local hospital. The boy was visiting the park with some friends and had been jumping from the top of the falls into the pool below when the accident happened. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/18]
On June 25th, rangers found that a vehicle had crashed through a split rail fence at High Rock, a popular swimming spot, and saw that it was upside down in about 20 feet of water in the river below. Divers checked the vehicle and found that there were no occupants. Evidence indicated that the vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Fort Payne earlier that morning, had been run off the cliff into the pool of water by placing a large rock on the gas pedal. Three wreckers were employed to pull the vehicle from the river. This was the third stolen vehicle incident in the park in as many weeks. [Dwight Dixon, CR, LIRI, 6/26]
On the afternoon of June 17th, ranger Steve McGee, who joined the ranger staff less than three months ago, was on patrol above the Little River Falls area when he saw two boys tubing in the main channel feeding the falls. McGee realized that they were in danger and moved to intercept them. One of the tubers grabbed and clung to a rock near the top of the falls, and called to his companion - Thomas Prince, 16 - and told him to stop himself. Prince became entangled in his partially-deflated float, however, and was unable to arrest his momentum. As he neared the top of the falls, McGee plunged into the water, grabbed him, and dragged him from the rapids - just seconds before he would have been washed over the falls. McGee's quick thinking undoubtedly prevented severe injury or death from a 45-foot drop onto the rocks below. [Mike Clarke, PR, LIRI, 6/19]
In response to a rash of car break-ins, rangers began surveillance of parking lots in late June. On June 27th, ranger Eddy Cartaya was watching the lot at Little Falls from concealment when he saw a blue Honda Accord pull in and five people - R.C., Robert R.C., J.H. and two juveniles - get out and begin looking in the windows of other cars in the lot. Cartaya, who was not yet commissioned, notified ranger Jimmy Dunn, who was standing by. Cartaya saw Robbie R.C. pick up a rock, break into a car, and remove two purses. Dunn arrived as R.C. was getting into his vehicle and kept the group from leaving at gunpoint until a local officer arrived to assist. The five men were then taken into custody. The subsequent search of the men and their vehicle led to the recovery of a large number of stolen items, including cell phones, beepers, and stereo equipment and CDs. Also found were marijuana and paraphernalia, several concealed weapons (including knives hidden on several of the men), and a .25 pistol inside the passenger door panel. All five were taken to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department and charged. The film from a camera seized in the arrests showed most of the group at a beach location. Any parks with unsolved car clouts should call the ranger station at 256-997-9239 to determine if any of the items came from their areas. [Mike Clarke, PR, LIRI, 6/29 and 7/6]
A 15 year-old boy was bitten by a copperhead at the Canyon Mouth day
use area on the afternoon of Saturday, June 21st. The boy and his
family, visiting from Georgia, were returning form a popular upstream
swimming area when they encountered the snake on the trail. The boy
attempted to move the copperhead with his bare foot and was bitten on
his right foot. He was treated by park guide Teresa Smith and paramedic
Valerie Saferite and transported by Cherokee EMS ambulance to De Kalb
Baptist Medical Center in Fort Payne, Alabama. He was kept in their ICU
overnight and released the following day.
On July 4th, an 11-year-old boy was wading in the shallows above
Little River Falls when he lost his footing on the wet rocks and was
carried over the 45-foot-high falls by the strong current caused by
significant rains the previous week. Rangers stabilized his injuries and
carried him out with assistance from the Fischer Rescue Squad and the
Fort Payne Fire Department. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he
was found to have a torn spleen. Advanced EMS was provided by NPS
paramedic Valerie Saferite.
A 15-year-old boy drowned at the Canyon Mouth day use area while
attempting to swim across the Little River on July 6th. He'd spent the
day hiking and swimming with friends and relatives and was attempting to
cross the river when he began to struggle and disappeared. Friends and
bystanders tried to find him, but without luck. Park staff responded and
organized a search. His body was found by SCUBA divers about 90 minutes
later. Assistance was provided by the Cherokee County Rescue Squad,
Cherokee County EMS, and DeSoto State Park. Jimmy Dunn was IC.
Ranger Jimmy Dunn was contacted by a visitor who reported a possible
falling accident at the Wolf Creek overlook on the afternoon of
September 26th. Dunn, ranger David Walker, park paramedic Valerie
Saferite and guide Theresa Baird responded. They searched the overlook
area and locations below the bluff, but had to suspend their efforts due
to oncoming darkness and thick vegetation. Saferite and Baird rappelled
into the canyon the following morning to conduct an extended search.
Saferite found the body of D.S. just after noon. D.S. had
fallen about 120 feet, the slid down the steep slope for another 150
feet. Fischer Rescue Squad members assisted with the body recovery. An
investigation is underway, but foul play is not suspected. Dunn was the
IC.
On the evening of May 14th, ranger David Walker was contacted by a
visitor at the Canyon Mouth day use area who said that his 18-year-old
companion had disappeared while swimming and hadn't been seen for 20 to
30 minutes. J.W. was swimming through the shoals area when
he was last seen. Walker and resource management specialist Mary Shew
began a search of the area, including the trail along the river.
Cherokee County Rescue and Cherokee EMS responded, as did ranger Jimmy
Dunn and NPS paramedic Valerie Saferite. The rescue squad began dragging
the river and recovered J.W.'s body about 50 yards below the
shoals area in four feet of water. Walker served as IC.
Today's update on Hurricane Ivan recovery operations follows. SERO has conducted a survey of all its parks — only those areas listed had reported problems not previously noted: Little River Canyon NP — The Canyon Mouth day use area was flooded. The pavement in the parking lot was completely destroyed, but there was no known structural damage. Lots of picnic tables and grills were washed away. Damage to trees is extensive. Reports from Peter Givens, IO, Incident Management Team, GUIS; Bill Halainen, IO, Incident Management Team, DEWA; Ken Garvin, Kenny Slay and Michelle Fidler, SERO; Chris Stubbs, Acting Superintendent, BISO; Connie Backlund, Superintendent, CARL; Jimmy Dunn, LIRI.
On Sunday, September 24th, park visitors discovered a white vehicle about 150 feet down a cliff in the Wolf Creek area. Rangers and Fischer rescue volunteers rappelled down to it and found a man inside. The body was recovered around 6 p.m. The body was taken to Huntsville for an autopsy and identification. The victim was identified as J.(J.)L.C., 25, of Collinsville, Alabama. J.L.C. was last seen on September 17th by family members, and was reported missing to the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office on September 20th. his death has been ruled and accident. [Kimberly Kirk, Chief Ranger]
While patrolling the rim road on the evening of December 6th, seasonal ranger Jeston Fisher saw a fire in the canyon and asked for assistance in investigating it from Desoto State Park ranger Josh Hughes (the state park abuts Little River). As they got close to the scene, they heard shots and also saw what appeared to be a body burning. They moved to a safer area and contacted chief ranger Kim Kirk. Ranger Jimmy Dunn was called out to handle the investigation. A search of the scene by an Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) crime lab investigator led to the discovery of a .25 caliber handgun where the victim had been lying. The body was found a few feet from the fire, which evidence indicated the victim built. No positive identification had yet been made at the time of the report - an autopsy has been conducted, but the cause of death has not yet been released. Investigating are the ABI, the FBI and Cherokee County. [Kimberly Kirk, Chief Ranger]
On the evening of December 6th, a ranger saw a fire in the canyon and discovered a man's body aflame near a campfire that had gone out. An investigation conducted by rangers and Cherokee County and Alabama Bureau of Investigation officers led to the discovery of a .25 caliber pistol and a fired .25 caliber casing underneath the body and a key on his person that unlocked a Jeep parked nearby. FBI agents from the Gadsden Resident Agency were contacted and joined the investigation. An autopsy was conducted on December 7th that confirmed the man's identity - a 36-year-old resident of Chattanooga - and established that he'd shot himself. [Kimberly Kirk, Chief Ranger]
On Friday, April 18th, ranger Larry Beane saw a five-year-old boy fall off Little River Falls. The child was with his parents and members of another family when the accident occurred. Beane had to go to the parking lot to radio in the incident. While he was gone, the boy's father, P.S., 37, jumped into the water in an attempt to save his son. Rangers David Walker and Kim Kirk were on scene within a couple of minutes and were soon joined by ranger Jimmy Dunn. A man who was with S.'s family jumped into the water, found him, and pulled him to shore. He and Walker began CPR while moving P.S. through the water to a rock. He was then secured to a backboard so he could be extricated from the canyon. P.S. was taken to Dekalb County Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, the five-year-old was found sitting on a rock not far from the point where he fell into the water. Maintenance worker Jaime Anderson waded out to him and brought him to rocks closer to land. The boy suffered minor cuts and bruises but was otherwise okay. Others involved in the incident were maintenance chief Steve Elsaesser, resource management specialist Mary Shew, and personnel from Fischer Rescue, the Dekalb County Sheriff's Department, Dekalb County Ambulance, and Fort Payne Fire. [Kimberly Kirk, Chief Ranger]
On Sunday, June 1st, a four-year-old girl was found floating in the river by two 12-year-old girls who were swimming near the Canyon Mouth day use area. The two girls - soon joined by a man who came out to help - got the child to shore. They found that she was not breathing and had no pulse. CPR was begun and continued by a nurse who was visiting the park until a Cherokee County ambulance arrived. The child was taken to a hospital in Centre, Alabama, but did not survive. Early indications are that the child went into the water without the knowledge of any accompanying adults. She may have been in the water for around 20 minutes when found. The Cherokee County Department of Human Resources is investigating. [Kimberly Kirk, Chief Ranger]
A family of four was attempting to drive across the rain swollen Little River last Thursday evening when their vehicle was swept downstream. At daylight, one of the adults swam to the riverbank and walked out, reporting the accident about 8:30 a.m. Rangers began a hasty search, locating the vehicle approximately 100 yards downstream from Hartline Ford. A coordinated rescue was begun with personnel from the park, Fisher Rescue Squad, and Adamsburg Fire Department, supported by two Alabama State Police helicopters. The two children, ages two and four, and one adult were safely airlifted from the vehicle. They were taken to the DeKalb County Hospital for evaluation. All four were treated and released. Ranger David Walker is investigating. Charges are pending. [Troy Mueller, Chief Ranger]
On Sunday, March 18th, a 24-year-old Rome, Georgia, man went swimming in the Martha's Falls area. He and his friends attempted to swim across the Little River, but he didn't make it - his friends saw him go under and fail to resurface. Rangers were notified at approximately 2:20 p.m. Members of Fisher Rescue Squad, Adamsburg Fire Department and Cherokee County Rescue conducted a coordinated recovery effort. Divers from Fisher Rescue recovered his body just before 5 p.m. The incident is under investigation by the National Park Service. [Troy Mueller, Chief Ranger]
W.R., 54, and Alison Wesson, 34 were drinking alcoholic beverages at High Rock on the afternoon of August 7th when they decided to jump from High Rock Point into the river. The point is about ten feet above the water. W.R. never resurfaced. Fire technician Natalie Smith swam out with a life vest to Wesson, who was on a submerged rock formation, and helped her back to shore, where park guide and EMT Miranda Brown conducted an initial assessment on her. Chief ranger Troy Mueller made several surface dives, but was unable to find W.R.. The Fisher Rescue Dive Team was summoned and began a search for W.R.. His body was soon found and recovered. During the investigation, ranger Jon Newman determined that Wesson had a HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_alcohol_content" BAC of .394%. [Troy D. Mueller, Chief Ranger]
On the evening of April 22nd, the DeKalb County 911 center received a call from a woman who reported that her son and another boy were stranded on the west bank of the Little River below Little River Falls. Rangers and local emergency service personnel were dispatched to the location and were soon on scene. Some of them set up anchor points and haul systems while others contacted family members and obtained vital information on the two boys. Rescue swimmers were lowered to the river and began shuttling across the rapidly moving water to the boys, who were huddled on a rock attempting to stay warm. With the water temperature at 64 degrees and the air temperature dropping below 60 degrees, the rescuers were concerned that the boys might become hypothermic. They quickly evaluated the boys, placed them in life vests, and moved them safely to the east bank of the river. With their condition improving, they were able to hike out to the parking lot to their waiting family members. During the operation, the grandmother of one of the boys, overwhelmed by fear and anxiety over the safety of her grandson, became faint and could not stand. Members of a responding ambulance service were able to evaluate and comfort her, allowing her to recover and see her grandson rescued shortly thereafter. During the post-rescue interview, the boys said that they'd been hiking along the east shore of the river when they saw what appeared to be a good area to cross the river. They attempted to do so, but the water swept their feet out from under them and washed them downstream to Martha's Falls. They were able to get to the west bank before getting washed over the falls and hiked back upstream until they reached Little River Falls. The family expressed its gratitude to all the men and women who risked their lives and safety to the boys. This was the second rescue in the park this month. Both incidents were the result of people overestimating their abilities while being fooled by the river's power, discreetly hidden by its beauty. [Larry Beane, Park Ranger]
Ranger David Walker was notified by DeKalb County Sheriff's Office dispatch of a possible drowning in the park at Martha's Falls on the evening of June 15th. Walker contacted several agencies for assistance and together they coordinated a recovery operation. Divers found the body of 19-year-old R.P. of Rome, Georgia, in about nine feet of water just before 9 p.m. It was turned over to the county coroner. Investigation revealed that R.P. and his friends had attempted to swim across Little River, but that he'd slipped under the water while doing so. Efforts to find him proved unsuccessful, so a 911 call was made. Assisting in the incident were personnel from Fischer Rescue Squad, Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department, DeKalb Ambulance Service, Cherokee County Rescue Squad, and Alabama Highway Patrol. [Troy Mueller, Chief Ranger]
A Piedmont man drowned in Johnnie's Creek at a local swimming area known as the Mill Hole on May 27th. The Mill Hole is located within the legislative boundaries of Little River Canyon National Preserve, but is on private property. Cherokee County deputies, Cherokee County EMS, Cherokee County Rescue Squad, and National Park Service rangers responded. Witnesses told deputies and investigators that M.F., 22, jumped into the water and appeared to be struggling. He went under and never resurfaced. Two bystanders had just arrived and jumped into the water, located M.F., and pulled him to the rocks. CPR was started once he was removed from the water. M.F. was pronounced dead at the hospital by the Cherokee County coroner. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office investigated. [Valerie Saferite, Park Ranger]
DeKalb County dispatch contacted the park on July 22nd regarding a person on the railing on the Alabama Route 35 bridge at Little River Falls, about half a mile from park headquarters. Chief Ranger Troy Mueller responded first and found a despondent woman in her early 70's on the opposite side of the railing. Mueller talked to the woman at length and over time was able to get her to hold his hand. After more talking, she was convinced that jumping to the rocks below was not a good idea and decided that she did not want to die. The park's administrative officer and superintendent (both former chief rangers) then moved in and helped haul the woman over the railing and sat and talked with her until EMS arrived. The woman was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. [Steve Black, Superintendent]
A 17-year-old boy who disappeared after jumping into a stream near the Little Falls area on April 24th was subsequently found alive by searchers. Rangers received a call from a bystander on the evening of April 24th reporting the incident. Agencies from two counties — DeKalb and Cherokee — assisted in the ensuing search. The boy was found under an overhang along the east side of the river. He was treated and released. The park issued a reminder that river levels can fluctuate rapidly and water temperatures remain cold at this time of the year. With increased rains over the last several days, Little River has been experiencing record high water levels and has become more dangerous. Source: WHNT News.
Every year, particularly on holiday weekends, people drown unnecessarily in national parks through lack of preparedness or swimming in hazardous areas. Here are several from Memorial Day weekend, plus a rescue at Cape Hatteras two weeks ago: Little River Canyon NP — Two men drowned in high waters last week; a third had to be rescued from the river on Memorial Day. Due to strong water currents, sharp and slippery rocks, and a 43-foot cliff, drowning is the leading cause of death in the park. The river was flowing at 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) in one incident and 800 cfs in the other. Sources: Kate Smith, WAFF News; Travis Cummings, WCRB News.
Summer means a spike in visitors to NPS areas with rivers and lakes or bordering oceans, which unfortunately equates to a related spike in drownings: Little River Canyon NR — An 18-year-old drowned on June 11th after going over Little River Falls. The victim was floating on the river above the falls with friends late that afternoon. His friends got off the river about 80 feet before the waterfall, but the victim got caught up in the current and was last seen going over the waterfall. He never resurfaced from the pool below. First responders arrived on scene minutes later to begin search and rescue. Divers found the body within an hour. Sources: Anna Beahm, Huntsville Times; Mack Jones, Deseret News; Jordan Gartner, KTNV News; Frances Ruth Harris, Pike County Courier; Katelyn Newberg, Las Vegas Review-Journal; Bailey Aldridge, News & Observer.
On July 24, a group of teenagers were jumping off rocks into the river. One of the individuals got "caught in a current running behind the rock" and the others "weren't able to get to [them] in time." The individual is said to have drowned. Staff from the NPS, Fort Payne Fire Rescue, Fischer Rescue Squad, Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department, DeKalb Ambulance Service, and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office responded to the incident. Source: The Telegraph, Times Journal | |