One killed in rafting accident near Atlanta

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

A Utah woman died Monday evening in a rafting accident on the Middle Fork of the Boise River near Atlanta.

The victim was identified as Cami Oborn, 34, of Riverton, Utah.

She had been attending a family reunion in Atlanta and was one of six members of the family who went rafting down the river Monday at about 6:30 p.m.

The raft apparently became lodged on a tree stump during the trip. Those in the raft got out to dislodge it, but the raft was caught in a "strainer" eddy and the victim became trapped under the log, drowning. Such currents can have several hundred pounds of force, making it difficult to extricate anyone trapped in them.

No one else was seriously injured.

Elmore County sheriff's deputies and search and rescue crews were still at the scene at press time Tuesday morning.Details of the accident remained sketchy as the rugged country where the incident occurred blocks radio and cell phone communication, but the body has been recovered.

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It is the Middle Fork of the Boise River

-- Posted by bearhunter on Tue, Jun 28, 2011, at 7:24 AM
This was a true tragedy. This person in this unfortunate accident is my sister-in-law. We were at the Family Ranch for an Oborn family reunion when this occured, which is located just minutes away from the scene of this tragedy. A couple of hours before this happening, 4 other members of the family had run the river with no problems. So a few of the women decided to try it. There were 4 women and 2 men on this rafting trip. We found out they were missing and went in a frantic search. By the time the rafting party was located, Cami had already passed. The residents of Atlanta, and a Swift Water Rescue responded immediately, along with the Emery County Sheriffs Department and they all went into action. I've never seen so much support from a community than from the residents of Atlanta. Everyone was involved trying to assist the rafting party and other family members. Thank you to the Life Flight crew for risking the daring flight into Atlanta. Unfortunately, the travel time is more than an hour and a half away by road. Their response time was still incredible rescue teams. They worked into the night, til 2am. But the river current and dangerous conditions wouldn't allow them to continue until morning. Mo, a resident of Atalnta and family friend brought in his heavy equipment to assist in the recovery of Cami's body. We'd like to thank all the people that put their lives in harms way to recover Cami.

Cami was the most generous, caring and loving person. She loved her husband Thom and her two sons, Ashton and Duston very much. Cami was the brightest light and was the one of the most gracious people I know. I'm proud to be her brother-in-law. Cami, we will miss you so much that our hearts just ach with your absence. Please look over your 3 boys. They are going to need your guidance through life. Enjoy as much Diet Coke in Heaven as you can. Cami you touched so many lives and we love you with all of our might.

I'm so sad for your husband and sons that words cannot express. They'll be in our prayers. We'll help any possible way to ease their pain.

We love you Cami!!!

Troy, Marci and MaKalee

p.s. We warned the kids to stay away from any fast moving water. But we should have been more aware for everyone. PLEASE DO NOT THINK BECAUSE YOUR AN ADULT, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE THIS TYPE OF WATER! We are all vulnerable to these circumstances. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for everyone that is around you!

-- Posted by tsamp14 on Wed, Jun 29, 2011, at 12:59 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a lovely person. I will pray for all her family to be strong during this unbearable time

God Bless

Jessie Miller

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Wed, Jun 29, 2011, at 8:43 AM

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