Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 31, 1993 TAG: 9308310157
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: MCCOY LENGTH: Short
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is keeping an eye on the area, but search operations were suspended Sunday afternoon.
Two people told police Saturday afternoon they saw a young man shoot the rapids and disappear. Nearly 50 search and rescue personnel from throughout the New River Valley, along with a trained dog and a state police helicopter, searched the water and river banks until dark Saturday.
The search resumed at 6 a.m. Sunday and was called off around midafternoon.
Two people have drowned at the falls in the last 12 years, said Dave Mondy, who has operated New River Junction, an inner-tube rental shop for that long. Before then, Mondy said, drownings were more frequent, but he helps advise tubers on safety and water levels.
Appalachian Power Co. cooperated with the Sheriff's Office to open and close the Claytor Lake dam at times that would best help the search efforts.
by CNB