Chicago Man Dies Rafting in Alaska

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Jun 28, 2004 9:04PM

Michael Savage worked in the health industry helping uninsured and was in Hope, Alaska for a conference when he decided to take his first white-water rafting trip. Sixmile Creek, which is actually a river, is where Savage decided to take his guided tour. The river is a Class 4 rapid and although many consider it difficult, with long stretches, dangerous rocks and powerful waves, it is one of Alaska's most popular and accessible rafting destinations. The river includes three canyons with rapids that present increasingly technical challenges. At "The Predator," a treacherous, narrow passage, the raft that Savage was on hit the canyon wall, ejecting everyone on board. Safety lines were thrown, but Savage was not able to reach one and was swept under water.

When Savage surfaced soon after, he was not breathing. Authorities are not positive, and no autopsy is planned, but he may have drowned or died from the affects of rapid cold water immersion, which can cause breathing or heart problems. Savage was wearing a dry suit, a helmet and a life vest.

Several people have drowned in the river in the past decade and the whitewater rafting compnay said there is an inherent risk in the sport and expressed their condolenses.

Chicagoist is a bit of a risk-taker ourselves at times, but last time we went rafting we chickened out and went on the smooth river ride down the Colorado River instead of the whitewater rapids ride. Stories like this, when the adventurer was wearing all of the protective gear he could and when it seems as though safety measures are taken and someone still is injured or killed, scare us to death! Maybe we're just getting old, but please, this is Mother Chicagoist speaking, be safe!!