Tranquil at low flows, the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can become dangerous at high levels even for experienced paddles/Copyright QT Luong, www.terragalleria.com/parks
While recent rains have been filling rivers in many parts of the East, playing in those streams is becoming more dangerous, as evidenced by a kayaker who drowned in the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park rangers received a report of a kayak accident shortly before 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Kenneth C. Worthington, 53, of Apex, North Carolina, was kayaking with friends when he rolled his kayak, according to a park release. The man floated to the river's edge, where his friends pulled him out.
Park rangers, Gatlinburg Police Department, and Gatlinburg Fire Department responded to the scene and performed CPR on Worthington before he was transported to LeConte Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, the release added.
Rangers remind visitors that water recreation is not recommended in the park due to numerous hazards and dangers. Weather forecasts for the Fourth of July holiday weekend include heavy rain and thunderstorms, which can cause river levels to rise rapidly.
“With the forecast of rain throughout the week, I encourage all visitors to be extremely cautious around rivers as conditions can change unpredictably," said acting-Chief Ranger Steve Kloster. "We want all our visitors to have a memorable experience in the park that is both enjoyable and safe.”
River levels can rise rapidly when thunderstorms strike in the mountains. Heavy rains at higher elevations caused flash flooding earlier this month in Greenbrier and Cosby that damaged roads and washed out foot bridges along hiking trails. Rangers remind visitors not to attempt to cross swollen rivers. Hikers should alter their routes to avoid crossing any rising river by waiting until the river has receded or returning by another route.
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