These things need to be discussed.  Some of us already know many of the lessons, but some of us don't. 
And all of us can benefit from the refresher.  As long as it doesn't get abusive, it is good for the rest of us.

By discussing these accidents, we learn things like -
Set reasonable limits of water level, river difficulty and weather.
Paddle with reliable friends.  This is really a team sport.
Carry a survival kit & wear good gear. You never know when you'll spend the night out.
Be mindful of the effects that your demise may have on the survivors.  Paddling is a selfish endeavor.  Your death will cause ripples that affect many people.
Speak up if someone is putting onto something over their head.  You might save a life, but you'll never know it.  At the least, it may ease your conscience later.
Help others down (or off) the river when they need it.  Hold a rope, show some lines, or walk something to get the other guy to do it too.

Realize what a thin line we walk between life and death.  Such a small thing as 4 minutes without air can end a decades of life decades before it should end.

In the end, most of us will die of a stupid mistake - maybe on a river, maybe in a car, maybe just sooner than necessary because of poor choices of diet, exercise or smoke.  All we can do is put it off as long as possible.  So there's no need to throw stones, but acknowledge that we are all fallible.

I've known more paddlers that have died on the river than I care to.  And I've been there for a miraculous team effort that brought a dead man back to life.
Our knowledge, considerations and choices every step of the way make a difference. 

We need to discuss these accidents. 

It saves lives.



I hope the Burrow family finds peace in this difficult time.