One of four anglers who tumbled into the Kanawha River at Gauley Bridge near the Kanawha Falls Public Fishing area was found dead Sunday, ending a storm-hampered search by police and firefighters.
Three other people made it ashore without injury when their fishing boat overturned.
Officials identified the lone casualty of the fishing trip as Cyrus James Rose, 17, of Strange Creek, whose body was discovered at Falls View, a short distance from where the boat flipped over.
Fayette County Sheriff Steve Kessler said authorities were called to the scene around 3:21 a.m. to investigate a report that several people were in the water and yelling for help.
Sent to the river were Cpl. T.N. Mooney of the sheriff’s office, and water rescue personnel from volunteer fire units in Smithers, Boomer, Gauley Bridge and Montgomery, along with EMS personnel from General Ambulance.
Authorities soon learned that one of the occupants of the craft swam back to the shore, while two others reached an adjacent island.
Firefighters launched into an immediate rescue mission for Rose, but their attempts were suspended temporarily around 5:45 a.m. when severe thunderstorms rumbled through Fayette County.
The other three occupants of the boat were identified by Kessler as Samuel D. Rose, 40, and Johnathan Rose, 17, both of Strange Creek, and Joshua Rowe, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio. The relationship of the Roses wasn’t known.
“None of these individuals sustained any injuries as a result of his accident,” the sheriff said. “It was reported that all of these individuals were familiar with the area and had fished in this area on multiple occasions.”
An initial investigation revealed that none of the four was wearing a life jacket.
Mooney and C.J. Whittington, a conservation officer with the state Division of Natural Resources, were investigating the accident.
Local News
Teen dies after fishing accident
- Local News
-
- Second shooting suspect arrested
-
Group helps moms socialize, get involved
Amanda Powers said she had never lived outside of the state of Georgia. Yet when her husband was transferred to West Virginia in his job, things completely changed.
-
One killed, three injured in ambulance wreck
A McDowell County ambulance driver transporting a patient to a hospital was killed Wednesday when the ambulance was involved in a single-vehicle accident in Avondale, officials said.
-
Governor’s office announces Region I energy efficiency projects
Gov. Joe Manchin Tuesday announced funding totaling $790,411.11 for energy efficiency projects in the Region I Planning and Development Council, which covers McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming counties.
-
Calendar — Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010
Today's events
-
U.S. energy secretary tells W.Va. coal remains vital
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu says he’s sure the nation can develop ways to continue burning coal and boost the economy in the process.
-
Rahall cuts visitors center ribbon
A crowd estimated at well over 100 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center and the dedication of the center’s Rahall Conference Room here Tuesday.
-
Fire Department to receive federal funding
Bradley-Prosperity Volunteer Fire Department will receive $223,820 in Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.
-
Maynard, Rahall face off in first debate
U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., and Republican challenger Elliott “Spike” Maynard, clashed Tuesday over the future of coal, health care reform and jobs for southern West Virginia.
-
Audience seeks info, supports candidates
People seeking information and offering support converged on Bluefield for a debate Tuesday evening between an incumbent and a challenger vying for a seat in Congress.
- More Local News Headlines
