My knowledge of the accident is all second-hand, so please excuse a lack of details, or any mistakes. I understand John got surfed in 1st drop of Triple, flushed out upside down and through 2nd & 3rd drops. He was attempting rolls between drops, but was unable to get up. His companions said he was no longer trying to roll at the bottom of 3rd drop and flushed downstream. It's probable that he hit something in 3rd drop that knocked him out.

I've been paddling the Russell Fork with John since I first began. He would always invite me down to follow him down the Watauga, but I never got there with him and I'm really sorry for that. He was one of the kindest and most thoughtful gentlemen I've met. My sincerest condolences to his family and his dear friends in the east tennessee crew.
steve ruth