I am sorry to report the Ben Manfredi died on the Rica canyon section of the Elwha on Sunday.  We were having a great day.  After a great run on the Grand Canyon of the Elwha we have only two rapids left in the lower canyon.  He flipped and went over a small drop upside down.  I saw that he made several failed roll attempts as the river bent around the corner and out of site.  I followed behind in pursuit expecting to help pick up gear from his swim.  I found his kayak in the eddy right around the corner upside down.  He was still in it and apparently no effort was made to pull out.  We attempted CPR for most of an hour, never with any sign of life.

SAR and the National Parks people brought him and his kayak up out the gorge last night (Monday) around 6.  Seeing your best paddling buddy (or anyone else for that matter) in his drysuit on a stretcher is tough.

Ben was an awesome paddler.  He had the ability to go do a river once and be able to memorize the lines.  It was like he was my personal Class V paddle guide.  He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Please pray for his family and that God may continue to give them strength and peace.

John Easton