Local River Official Urges Paddlers to Stay Safe After Milford Deaths

After a tragic accident in Milford this weekend, a local paddler is urging people to stay safe on the water.

The Oakland Press reported two men died as Douglas Killingbeck, 48, of Milford, drowned while attempting to rescue John Przydatek, 16, of Harrison Township around 1 p.m. Saturday.

The article stated Przydatek's canoe overturned in the water, which police describe as “turbulent,” around 12:55 p.m. Sensing that the boy was in danger, Killingbeck, who was wearing a life jacket, went in to attempt to rescue him in a separate canoe, which also capsized.

Emergency responders pulled both men from the water and began resuscitation efforts, but were unable to revive either person, according to the Oakland Press.

Watch ABC 7 WXYZ's video on the incident.

Maggie Yerman, a key organizer of Keepers of the Shiawassee and a recreation paddler, has urged those on the water to be careful.

“I think the biggest thing is common sense,” Yerman said. “If you are not experienced and the water is running high, don’t go. Don’t put yourself in that situation.”

The Keepers of the Shiawassee also recently cancelled a in because of a high, fast river.

“We are going to be working around the water and we don’t want something like that (The Milford incident) to happen,” Yerman said.

The installation has been rescheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. June 9.