Judy Henderson-Bailey : “Tragic Kayak Overturn: Kansas Woman Drowns in River”

BOONE COUNTY —Authorities in Boone County, Arkansas, have reported a devastating incident at the Carver area of Buffalo National River, which resulted in the tragic drowning of a 69-year-old woman from Topeka, Kansas.

According to a media release from the National Park Service, the incident occurred last weekend, on May 19, when emergency services received a distress call about a possible drowning in the upper district of the river near Carver.

The victim, identified as Judy Henderson-Bailey, was floating in a private kayak when tragedy struck. Her kayak overturned after colliding with a tree in the river channel, causing her to be pulled under a submerged tree.

Despite efforts from members of her floating party to rescue her, Henderson-Bailey tragically lost her life. It was revealed that she was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Hasty Volunteer Fire Department were among the emergency responders who assisted in the incident. The authorities have highlighted the dangers posed by currents, downed trees, and underwater obstructions in rivers and creeks, which can make paddling more challenging.

As a precautionary measure, Buffalo National River offers a loaner life jacket program for visitors. Life jackets can be borrowed from the Steel Creek Ranger Station, Tyler Bend Visitor Center, or Buffalo Point Ranger Station. For more information on this program, individuals can contact the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502.