A 24-year-old female river guide from Durango drowned while rafting the Upper Animas River on Saturday afternoon, San Juan County officials announced Tuesday.

Just after 1 p.m. Saturday, Silverton Medical Rescue responded to an emergency alert on the Animas River, near Tenmile Creek.

According to a news release from the San Juan County Sheriff, the river guide, who has not been identified, was leading a raft of eight boaters along a stretch of the river from Silverton to Rockwood.

Due to the remote location’s limited access, two rescuers, a paramedic and an EMT, entered the river via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad with additional rescuers staged in Silverton as backup, the release stated.

The rafting group had attempted resuscitation efforts before the rescue team arrived.

The rescue team and other rafters involved with the incident moved the 24-year-old onto the train and transported the body to Rockwood Train station, the release stated.

Keri Metzler, San Juan County Coroner, said an autopsy is currently in progress, in partnership with the La Plata County Coroner’s Office. The coroner’s office will identify the woman and determine the manner of death.

Metzler said the manner of death is not suspicious and there is no ongoing investigation into the accident.

The Upper Animas River reach is a very challenging section of whitewater and recreational groups should be prepared for difficult situations with the higher water flows this season, San Juan County Public Information Officer DeAnne Gallegos stated in Tuesday’s release.

“The group of boaters were experienced and knew that section of river well. They were well prepared with the appropriate rescue equipment and knowledge of how to use it,” EMT Cameron Crowell stated in the release. “Still, this accident led to an unfortunate outcome. The river is running at a high flow right now and this is a stark reminder of just how dangerous the river can be, regardless of training and preparedness.”

Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.

Source: Read Full Article