CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) — An Ohio woman drowned while kayaking Thursday in the Oconaluftee River along North Carolina’s western border, according to Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials.
Park officials said companions of the kayaker notified park rangers around 2:15 p.m. that she disappeared underwater and didn’t resurface, news outlets reported. Officials identified the kayaker as Megan Thompson, 34, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Witnesses said Thompson floated over swift rapids before being pinned between a fallen tree and the river bank. It took emergency responders about 40 minutes to free Thompson and bring her to shore, where she was pronounced dead, park officials said.
This was the first fatality in the park this year and the 61st drowning on record, park officials said.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
More Stories
Warriors: Steph Curry puts Mavs to sleep and 2 more highlights from Game 2
FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola kicks off
AFC Cup 2022: Mohun Bagan, Gokulum kick-off battle for Continental glory