According to the National Park Service, a 69-year-old woman from Topeka, Kan., drowned in the Buffalo National River near Carver on Sunday evening. Judy Henderson-Bailey was floating in a private kayak that overturned after striking a tree in the river channel at approximately 5 p.m.
Henderson-Bailey was pulled under a submerged tree after her kayak capsized. Members of her floating party attempted to rescue her but were unsuccessful. She was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time, the Park Service said.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Hasty Volunteer Fire Department responded to the incident.
According to a release from the National Park Service, the river’s currents, downed trees, and underwater obstructions can make paddling challenging. The Buffalo National River offers a loaner life jacket program, with jackets available at the Steel Creek Ranger Station, Tyler Bend Visitor Center, and Buffalo Point Ranger Station. For more information, call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at (870) 439-2502.
At the time of the incident, the river level was classified as “low.” Current river levels can be viewed on the USGS website (click here).
In case of emergency, call 911 or the park’s 24-hour dispatch center at 1 (888) 692-1162.
File image of the Buffalo National River: National Park Service
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