Editors Note: This was posted after a drowning in the Grand Canyon. Be aware that Rivers change after a dam release.

Grand Canyon Private Boaters  ·

Patricia Benjamin

We loved our son, Aaron Benjamin. He drowned in Hance Rapid 2/19/26. I really believe that Aaron would want all of you to understand that...you think you know the line on a particular rapid until you don't. 

I learned alot today about Hance Rapid and ever changing river flows by the hour and even flows and hydrolics within moments at Hance Rapid because of damn release. 

 The order of the boaters running the rapid may or may not have changed this tragic outcome. Aaron was the sweep boat for a reason.

Action and reaction in real time matters. Three boaters before Aaron did the same scouted line and the rapid took them out of their boats and into a half mile swim.

 Aaron was a solid experienced boater who entered into an "I know" situation until the hydralics took hold of his oars and him and catapulted him out of his boat and then sucked him into a violent hole under his boat. 

Aaron would want you to understand and realize that it is a privilage and gift to be capable of rowing down the Colorado in the Grand Canyon. It is also a beautiful and self actualizing experience and that is why he and many others go time and time again.

 However, the Colorado River is constantly changing and even if you think you know... sometimes you don't know what the water flows, waves, hydrolics are going to do even if your actions and reactions are spot on.  Please be aware of this always and let Aaron's death be a reminder.

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