Saddly,
The news on Boatwerks was right. There were 2 deaths this year. The first drowning was Sunday, a rafter on a commercial raft and the second, on Monday (we had already left), was a private raft. Both happened on the Upper Gauley section.
The Gauley river is a beautiful river to paddle (probably the most scenic I have seen). Technically, not a hard river to paddle but consequences are not forgiving due to the sandstone type rocks that are undercut. I would recommend this river to every intermediate river as long as your roll is bomber and you can read the lines. The Lower section is much easier and very fun (long too). You can stay and paddle the Lower section the whole time and always be challenged and have fun.
My sentiments go their families and friends.
