MAN DEAD AFTER PLUNGE INTO LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER - Passenger Taken To Hospital

(10/29/2003)

3 AM - A Grantsville man died Tuesday night when his car plunged into the Little Kanawha River on State Route 5, a short distance west of the town limits. Jason Rider, a passenger in the vehicle, was taken to Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center, the nature of his injuries unknown. The name of the victim is being withheld, pending notification of family. The car, which was traveling east, went over the steep embankment at 9:50 p.m., becoming submerged in the river. The victim was reportedly discovered partially in the water, with workers bringing him to the highway in a rescue basket. Northside resident and Grantsville firemen Jim Garretson called 911 after he heard screams. Calhoun EMS and members of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire department performed CPR on the victim at the scene and enroute to the hospital. Scuba divers Craig Gherke and Charlie McCroskey went into the water to search for other victims. Authorities said they believed there were no other occupants. Firemen said the river was up a few feet above its normal stage, and flowing swiftly. Firemen were still looking for the submerged vehicle shortly before midnight. Trooper Doug Starcher of the West Virginia State Police is investigating the accident. The Grantsville VFD dispatched three units to the scene, and Calhoun EMS sent two ambulances.

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