A few days ago, this headline caught my attention: Father of 13 dies in Colorado rafting accident after reportedly saving daughter.
It’s a really sad news story. A father of 13 children from Hutchinson, Kansas, died while white-water rafting at the Royal Gorge in Colorado. This wasn’t his first rodeo; he had rafted on this river before. However, heavy snowfall earlier in the season and heavy rain this spring have raised the water levels and made the rapids more dangerous.
Admittedly, this story freaked me out because my husband and sons are supposed to travel to Colorado next week to raft on this same stretch of river! It’s been a dream of my husband to go white-water rafting and camp out on the river bank. We used miles and points to make this trip happen for them. But of course, I don’t want anyone to die!
Discussing Options
When my husband and I first learned of this tragic death, our first inclination was to cancel the trip. Sure, the rafting trip itself was non-refundable. But, we could cancel flights (booked with miles) and hotel (booked with points) with no penalties. And even though we’d be losing some money from the rafting company, safety trumps money.
We tried to research the accident in more detail. Was the man on a guided rafting tour? Which rafting company did he use? Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any more details.
I told my husband he should call the rafting tour company he booked with and discuss his concerns. He said that he didn’t think the company would encourage us to cancel because that’s their business. But yesterday, he called them with some questions.
The rafting company told him that the man who died was not on one of their rafts, and that they have never lost anyone. They also said that due to the higher water levels right now, my younger son isn’t even allowed to raft on that particular route due to his age and the company’s rules. So, unless the water levels decrease in the next week, the company was already moving our group to a calmer route.
That made us feel a lot better. My husband and boys decided to stick with the trip and raft on the calmer route. Of course, if the water conditions get worse, they will re-evaluate.
Final Thoughts
I know that white-water rafting is relatively safe. But, this recent death gives us pause.
All travel has risks. But certainly, some activities are riskier than others. I think there has to be a balance between having fun/taking risks and doing something stupid (like pestering the wild buffalo at national parks). Nature is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s important to respect its strength.
What is the riskiest activity you’ve done while traveling?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I’m sure there are more travel accidents than we hear about. A few years ago one of our Drs died in a rafting accident in Colorado and I’ve seen people on crutches after a skiing trip.
@Boonie I’m sure you’re right. When I was in elementary school, one of my classmates went skiing with her family and her dad died while on his skis. I’ll never forget that.
I went hiking in Peru once and I went with the top recommended tour company, even if most expensive. I figured you get what you pay for and safety matters.
@Talchinsky Good point.
Great story and experience/thoughts! The wildest thing i’ve done was ziplining in several countries. I always research the reviews and records of the places i used, but of course it’s never 100% safe. freak accidents can happen to anyone. i think you did the best you could do in calling the company and addressing safety concerns.
@Sara Yes it’s good to research because not all places have the same safety standards that we’re used to. I’ve never been zip lining!
Our family- all adults, went swimming with sharks off the north shore of Oahu. 2 miles from shore, 60 ft. of water, no cages. a few of them swam by at literally arms length. Estimated size was 8-9 ft. Once in a lifetime experience we will never forget.
@al Wow! I don’t think I could do that.
White water rafting is super fun and can be exhilarating. I live in the Colorado high country and used to white water kayak and still raft once or twice a year. Rafting is inherently dangerous. The Arkansas is not the Flume Ride at Disney World. People die on the rivers of Colorado every year. You can do many things to reduce risk and so can your rafting company. The risk will never be zero. It still super fun and a fantastic sport. I encourage you to go and enjoy !