Rescue teams recover Oconee drowning victim

By David Williams Oconee-Pickens Bureau
June 27, 2005

WESTMINSTER - Oconee County and Anderson swift water rescue teams spent nearly five hours Saturday recovering the body of a Walhalla man from the Chauga River.

Aaron Roche, 30, of 10 Ballenger St. drowned Friday after becoming trapped in an underwater pothole at the river rapid called the Can Opener in Chauga Ram Park, off U.S. 76 west of Westminster.

"Some of the park rangers who are swift water people called the team Friday at 8:10 p.m., but it was too difficult an operation to attempt in the dark," said Henry Gordon, director of Oconee County's Emergency Management Office.

More than 40 volunteers gathered at the park Saturday morning, including Bob Kinder with the county's dive team.

"Saturday, we had a diver with proper equipment, rescue folks from Anderson, the Red Cross, the Department of Natural Resources and the Sheriff's Office there to help," Mr. Gordon said. "He was completely down under the rock and it took three attempts to get him out."

Ranger Kenny Duncan was at the park when Mr. Roche's co-workers called for help.

"We try to tell everyone about the Can Opener," Mr. Duncan said.

Mr. Duncan said Mr. Roche was a carpenter who joined his friends at the popular spot to often ride inner tubes after work.

"A lot of people come here to ride inner tubes through a couple of rapids," Mr. Duncan said. "They make short trips, get out and do it again."

Jeff Dover, who coordinates training for the Oconee County special rescue teams, said visitors to the county's rivers need to remember they are wild and scenic.

"In some places hydraulics form," Mr. Dover said. "Everybody should wear floatation devices and helmets."

Mr. Duncan said helmets and lifejackets are required of people in kayaks or boats, but those floating in inner tubes are not required to wear the safety equipment.

Mr. Roche was born in Michigan and worked with M.J. Builders. His wife, Lisa, and daughter survive him. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Highlands Highway, Walhalla.

A 13-year-old boy from Florida and a 30-year-old Oconee man both have been saved from the Chauga River in Chau Ram Park this month.

The rescue teams also have recovered a man who suffered a dislocated shoulder while on the Chattooga River.