Experienced Paddler Drowns on Lower Yough

Experienced kayaker Jeff Barney of State College, PA, 43 years old, drowned June 13 on the Lower Youghiogheny River. The accident took place at Bottle of Wine rapid at a gage level of 4.3 feet. 

According to a detailed account posted in the American Whitewater Accident Database, Barney was caught in a pourover hole. His two companions got him to shore; they administered CPR but neither they nor an Ohiopyle Fire Department rescue team were able to revive him.

The AW writeup said that "the paddlers involved were all very experienced with this section of the river, both at this level and even higher levels, and considered the run to be well within their skills and experience level. All the paddlers were regulars on runs such as the Upper Yough. This was a comfortable, recreational paddle excursion on Friday afternoon, not a thrill seeking, adrenaline evoking paddle for the group."

An obituary published June 24 on the Mahoning Matters news site described Barney as "a kayak enthusiast who paddled rivers all across the country and in Portugal [and who] found joy in every outdoor adventure." The obituary continued, "Passionate and accomplished in many other areas, Jeff also loved fly fishing, rock climbing, hiking, cooking, photography, and renovating his home in State College." Barney held a senior management position at Remcom Inc. and volunteered with the Alpha Fire Department.