May 23, 2024

Kansas woman drowns after kayak overturns in river

Posted May 23, 2024 7:30 PM
Photo National Park Service
Photo National Park Service

BOONE COUNTY —Authorities in Boone County Arkansas say a Kansas woman identified as 69-year-old Judy Henderson-Bailey of Topeka  drowned last weekend at the Carver, Buffalo National River.

 Just after 5p.m. May 19, the Buffalo National River dispatch learned of a possible drowning in the upper district of the river near Carver, according to a media release from the National Park Service.

Judy Henderson-Bailey, 69, Topeka, Kansas, was floating in a private kayak that overturned after striking a tree in the river channel.  After turning over in the water, the she was pulled under a submerged tree.

Members of her floating party tried to extract her but were unsuccessful. She was not wearing a personal floatation device at the time.

Buffalo National River thanked the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Hasty Volunteer Fire Department who also responded to the incident.

Currents, down trees, and underwater obstructions exist in rivers and creeks, which can make paddling more challenging. Buffalo National River offers a loaner life jacket program. You may borrow a life jacket from the Steel Creek Ranger Station, Tyler Bend Visitor Center, or Buffalo Point Ranger Station. Please call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502 to learn more.