Drowning reported on Buffalo National River

HARRISON, Ark. — On May 19, Buffalo National River Dispatch was notified of a possible drowning in the upper river near Carver.

According to reports, Judy Henderson-Bailey, 69, of Topeka, Kansas, was floating in a private kayak when it overturned after hitting a tree in the river.

Members of her floating group attempted to pull her out from under a submerged tree, but were unsuccessful. She was not wearing a life jacket at the time.

The Buffalo National River has a life jacket loaner program, and you can borrow one at the Steel Creek Ranger Station, Tyler Bend Visitor Center, or the Buffalo Point Ranger Station. Call (870) 439-2502 to learn more.

The river level at this location was “low” at the time of this incident. To view current river levels, please click here.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office and Hasty Volunteer Fire Department also responded to this incident.