We lost a good kid today

[wirednut14er]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40634413@N03/3738464165/

Such a loss... Derk was a wonderful person. My condolences to his family and strength to his boating family. I've boated with Derk several times since meeting him on the river last year. I paddled with him last weekend on the North Fork of the Crystal and what a spectacular day it was! Claps of thunder welcomed us to the end of Lead King Basin and concealed our excitement to be running such a fine stretch of water. Derk was eying the lower stretch and even envisioned his line through the sketchy undercut. Due to wood just below the undercut, we stuck to the upper, despite Derk having his pin kit and smile ready for some wood extraction to free up the line.

Above is a pic from last weekend on the NF.

Derk - Peace be with you my friend!

Dustin

[sunkosi]

I am so saddened by the news of the loss of our friend Derk. I had the opportunity to paddle with Derk on the Thanksgiving Mexico trip 2 years back. We all had such a great time...however I think Derk was having twice as much fun as the rest of us. Luke - my condolences to you and your family.
Amy

[DurangoSteve]

Once again – and it seems way too frequently this summer – we are reminded that our river life, which brings us so many exhilarating moments of joy, is too often ephemeral.

We are drawn to those who are passionate, giving, honorable and genuine. Clearly Derk embodied those traits. Cherish your experiences together. Through those memories our friends and loved ones live on.

My deepest condolences to the many who knew and loved him.

[jmack]

I was shocked and terribly saddened to hear this news yesterday. I had the pleasure of kayaking with Derk dozens of times over the last 5 years, and I have rarely met such an enthusiatic or motivated person. Whether it was raining or snowing, or he just showed up in the middle of the night after a 10 hour drive, Derk was never less than 100% totally psyched. He was a truly generous person, putting as much effort into teaching and including others as he did into his own adventures. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

To the rescuers: Don't beat yourselves up over this. I know from personal experience that you will run through the scenario again and again, and second guess every decision you made. You guys did your best in an impossible situation, and gave Derk the best chance that you could.

Josh

[raymo]

I never new Derk(COUNT) , but what a true Gentleman of the river. RIP

[Jensjustduckie]

I am honored to have boated with Dirk if only once and to have befriended him, I cannot imagine the hole in your lives Luke and family. Thanks Count for inviting us on Westwater and saving my husbands life, wish we could have returned the favor...

Jen

[mrekid]

I did not personally know Derk, though I am sure I must have paddled with him at some point over the years. I can only express my deepest sorrow for his family and friends, and hope that eventually something positive can come from this tragic experience. I have also attached a photo of Bouncing Betty which shows the pin rock on the left side of the rapid looking upstream, for those who have not had the opportunity to kayak on this run. The water level shown is higher than when the accident occurred but it still illustrates the character of this rapid. To all of Derk's loved ones, please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss.

[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/mrekid/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]

[CORiverRat]

My thoughts go out to Dirk's friends and family. Whenever the community loses someone we are all touched by it. The rivers give such joy but can also bring such pain. Still, I don't know any of us who have loved the feelings the river brings would not want to do it again and again. Still the loss hurts but let us celebrate a life lived to the fullest.

[tboner]

very sad news. RIP Count!

[iYak]

winning ride from the avon video contest...
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