Sara Rosecrans Accident – Obituary: In loving memory of Durango woman killed in Rafting Accident on Upper Animas River.
According to San Juan County officials, Durango-based river guide Sara Rosecrans, 24, passed away on Saturday afternoon while rafting the Upper Animas River. Just after 1 p.m. on Saturday, Silverton Medical Rescue responded to a call for help on the Animas River close to Tenmile Creek.
According to a press release from the San Juan County Sheriff, Sara was in charge of an eight-person raft of boaters traveling down a section of the river between Silverton and Rockwood.
According to the press release, two rescuers—a paramedic and an EMT—reach the river via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad due to the remote location’s difficult access. Back-up rescuers are stationed in Silverton.
The rafting crew attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before the rescue squad came. The 24-year-old’s body was transported to Rockwood Train Station by the rescue crew and other rafters involved in the incident, according to the press announcement.
An autopsy is currently being conducted in conjunction with the La Plata County Coroner’s Office, according to Keri Metzler, San Juan County Coroner. The coroner’s office will determine the woman’s identify and manner of death.
According to Metzler, there is no continuing investigation into the accident, and the manner of death is not suspicious.