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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Carbondale rafting accident
2. Carbondale man death rafting incident
A Carbondale man tragically passed away after his raft capsized near the Basalt Whitewater Park on Saturday. Vilis J. “Butch” Zigurs, 74, was taken to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs and pronounced dead at 3:25 p.m. The cause of death is pending a post-mortem examination. Emergency responders received a call about the incident at 2:05 p.m. Two boats had capsized, and rescue crews searched the Roaring Fork River to locate the rafters. Whitewater enthusiasts are urged to be cautious due to dangerous river conditions. The Basalt Whitewater Park features two play waves along the river, attracting water sports enthusiasts.
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1. Carbondale river accident victim
2. Rafting tragedy in Carbondale
In a tragic accident that shocked the local community, a Carbondale man lost his life after a rafting mishap near the Basalt Whitewater Park on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Vilis J. “Butch” Zigurs, a 74-year-old adventurer, found himself in a life-threatening situation when the raft he was in capsized on the Roaring Fork River.
**The Incident**
The incident took place before 2 p.m. on Saturday, prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene. Zigurs was quickly transported to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries at 3:25 p.m. The cause and manner of his death remain under investigation by the Pitkin County Coroner’s Office, in collaboration with the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.
**Swiftwater Rescue Efforts**
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As news of the capsized raft reached emergency dispatchers, a flurry of activity ensued. Multiple agencies, including Roaring Fork Fire and Rescue, Aspen Fire Department, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, mobilized to search the river from the 7-Eleven bridge to Willits Lane. Two boats had capsized, and the occupants were found floating downstream, sparking a swiftwater rescue mission.
**Rapidly Changing River Conditions**
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office issued a stern warning to all whitewater enthusiasts in the area, urging them to exercise caution due to the dangerous river conditions. With the river running at near-peak levels, the swift currents posed a significant risk to anyone venturing out onto the water. The Basalt Whitewater Park, a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, features two play waves along a designated stretch of the river.
**Community Response**
The tragic loss of Vilis J. “Butch” Zigurs sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the inherent dangers of water-based activities, especially during peak flow periods. As the investigation continues to unravel the sequence of events that led to the fatal accident, authorities are reminding residents and visitors alike to respect the power of nature and stay vigilant when engaging in outdoor pursuits.
**Conclusion**
The untimely passing of Zigurs serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of water sports and the importance of safety measures. As the community mourns the loss of a fellow adventurer, the focus now shifts towards preventing similar tragedies in the future. By heeding the advice of local authorities and staying informed about changing river conditions, outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the beauty of the Roaring Fork River while prioritizing their well-being and safety.
