We lost a good kid today

[FLOWTORCH]

People, it's with a heavy heart I write this right now. I hope it's not to soon to post this but I just want to get it out there, off my chest and and hope the rest of us come together here to celebrate a life taken too soon.

Our friend COUNT passed on the Big South Today. Anyone that knew him knows how passionate he was about rivers & paddling and what a heart that kid had.

Today was the hardest day of paddling I've had as a kayaker. I'm just at a loss. Not sure what to say exactly. I'm sure many of you will be too. Everyone knows Derk was a good kid.

I paddled away with more than a few tears in my eyes and made sure to hit every boof i could for him. Think of him next time your out there.

My condolences to his family, all his friends and everyone out there today. Keep it safe.

RIP COUNT

[Ture]

Oh my God. I really liked him a LOT. He was a great guy and an important part of the Colorado kayaking community. I'm in shock. My thoughts go out to his family.

[GAtoCSU]

It is a sad day. I was in the first group that came upon the scene, and it was one that I will not forget. RIP man.

Scott

[Snowhere]

Holy crap! What a year this has been. Many have not made it to next year. RIP Count, you will be missed......

[BarryDingle]

RIP,COUNT. You provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime this summer with a chance to paddle from the Middle Fork on to your Main permit. I didn't get the chance to paddle on with you,but the rest of my crew did. I know Yakrafter,Flowtorch a couple others and myself all owe you a big thanks for takin a chance on some strangers. Taken far too young.....RIP

[kayakfreakus]

This is hard to read, I am so sorry to all those involved, his friends and family. Solid member of the boating community always willing to share his wealth of information from getting after it and paddling hard.

[Andy R]

Wow, this is such sad news, I am in shock. Derk was wise beyond his years, a kind soul and quite simply a really great guy. My gut is sick thinking about such a stellar person being taken from our reality like this. My condolences to his family and close friends.

[freexbiker]

RIP Count. He will always be in any true buzzards heart.

[TakemetotheRiver]

I don't know what to say. We were planning a run on the Rio Grande in Texas over Thanksgiving. I haven't had a chance to paddle with him in over a year. Dirk was such a warm, funny, caring person- as a rafter, he's the kayaker who made me know that I always want a kayaker on my trips. This has been a really hard year. My condolences to his family.

[Scottsfire]

This year has been such a tragedy. RIP bro and may you ride the rivers of heaven.
Does anyone know what happened or what went wrong?
SV