OHIOPYLE, PA. Latest rafting death renews talk of removing dangerous rock

Experts suggest developing a portage site so the rock can be bypassed.
OHIOPYLE, Pa. (AP) -- The recent death of a rafter will not likely lead to the destruction of a massive rock on the Youghiogheny River that can flip boats and trap people beneath the water, a state official said.
Andrew Dearden, 46, of Sykesville, Md., drowned Saturday when he and others in a raft were thrown into the water near "Dimple Rock," a tank-sized obstruction.
The rock has a cavity below water about the size of a minivan that can trap swimmers.
A 71/2-mile stretch of river in Ohiopyle State Park is popular among rafters, with outfits offering guided and nonguided trips.
Even though Dearden and others on his raft were flipped near Dimple Rock, it is not believed the rock led directly to the drowning, said Matt Marcinek, assistant regional park manager for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Dearden, who was wearing a life vest, surfaced with three other rafters and was able to grab hold of ropes on the side of the raft, witnesses said. Dearden lost his grip and then grabbed onto a river guide's kayak, but drowned in the ensuing rapids.
"The conditions surrounding the most recent death can occur on any river anywhere," Marcinek said.
"I think people are overly sensitive because of other incidents at that spot."
Dearden's history of high blood pressure and diabetes did not contribute to his death, according to a coroner's report.
Dearden was 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 400 pounds, his wife said.
Earlier drownings
State officials conducted an investigation into Dimple Rock and river safety after three people drowned in separate incidents in 2000.
Park officials and the Army Corps of Engineers had considered destroying or altering the rock, but opted against it for fear it could make the river even more dangerous.
The coroner's jury and experts said educating rafters about dangers in the river and developing a portage site before the Dimple Rock so that rafters could bypass it would be a better option.
After the three deaths in 2000, signs were posted along the river warning of dangerous rapids; a safety video was made available, though is not mandatory; and commercial guides and park personnel now receive more training. Also, there is a portage site where rafters can walk past the rock.
A deputy coroner in Fayette County said the issue of whether to alter Dimple Rock may be raised once again with the most recent death, the ninth associated with the rock since 1976.
"It'll take you down real quick," said Roger Victor.
There have been 19 deaths on the Lower Yough since 1976.
Opposition
DCNR officials said they oppose altering or destroying Dimple Rock and there are no plans end whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park.
"People know what whitewater rafting is and what they can expect. There are a lot of safety precautions in place," Marcinek said. "If people are in the raft, they've been fully informed."