Name of canoe accident victim released

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A father and son were trapped in a tube that carries water underneath the pedestrian bridge at the Pratt Dam in Cumberland.

A 17-year-old Cumberland boy is dead after his canoe overturned as he and his father paddled on the Blackstone River Sunday.

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NBC 10 News
Published: November 9, 2008

CUMBERLAND, R.I. –- Rescue crews recovered the body of a 17-year-old Cumberland boy who drowned Sunday while canoeing with his father.

Town officials said William King IV was canoeing with his father, William King III. King IV would have turned 18 in December.

Rescue officials said the Kings were traveling down the Blackstone River near the Pratt Dam when their canoe capsized at the dam. The two became trapped in a tube that carries water underneath the pedestrian bridge at the dam, Valley Falls Fire Chief Brian Jackvony told NBC 10.

The father was able to get out of the tube and was transported to Memorial Hospital, but his son remained trapped for several hours.

Rescue crews had trouble getting to the location due to the strong current of the river.