The Argus Observer | Online

Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval

this is for the ones running their mouths wrote on Jul 6, 2008 7:22 PM:

" once again you people dont know anything the BRIDGE was marked, NOT the CABLE!!!!!!! i saw for myself. you people with the negative output need to put yourself in the their shoes because AGAIN you dont know what you would have done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

RiverDork wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:31 PM:

" It was marked? No way! what do those white buoys with orange stripes on top mean? what are those Suspended construction barels dangling for? I demand that that construction company put a huge 100 by 100 foot neon lighted arrow or hand pointing to each hazard around that construction site. Then it will be marked and provide all water craft operators hard hats too. "

Lisa Spotted Horse wrote on Jul 3, 2008 6:55 AM:

" We were in Idaho for the weekend of the accident. My girls went to school with Arron and we have known the family for years. We are so sorry for the loss. Our prayers and thought are with the family. "

To River boater wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:23 AM:

" IT WAS NOT MARKED......... "

this is for the ones running their mouths wrote on Jun 30, 2008 3:09 PM:

" i just think u people that are running your mouths need to SHUT IT UP! when you dont even know. the only people that truly know is God and Aaron. The fact is, is that a awesome, loving caring person that would do ANYTHING for ANYBODY is gone, 2 kids are without there father and a wife is without her husband to do a company NOT being responsible and putting up warnings EVERYWHERE they needed to be posted. And i hope YOU all relize it could have been ANYONE of you, you probably say you would have turned at the bridge and went back but how would you know you can say that now because someone got killed, and you know better, but you truly dont know what you would have done. Shame on all of you who are so quick to judge. "

Relatively Speaking wrote on Jun 30, 2008 2:43 PM:

" Law suit or not, warnings or not-Aaron is gone forever. Nothing will bring him back. He won't be there to teach his son how to shave, drive a car or shoot a gun. He won't be there for his daughter's first date, her first broken heart or to walk her down the aisle. We need to forget about how or why it happened or could have been prevented and remember the family and friends he leaves behind. We need to remember Aaron and the spectacular man he was. His funeral shows how loved he was-standing room only. And the procession was a true testament to his worth to the world. Rest in Peace Aaron-we love you and will miss you. "

river boater wrote on Jun 30, 2008 2:17 PM:

" Shame me to hell?

That is certainly not very christian of you. Thankfully, I don't believe in hell or I might be offended.

Nothing will bring back this beloved member of the Fruitland community. I understand that.

I only put my opinion on here so that maybe it will not happen again. Maybe, in the future, another accident can be avoided and another father, son, friend is not ripped from his loved ones in a an accident.

The Snake river is "no joke" that is a fact. It's perhaps one of the most dangerous rivers to run because it is shallow, murky and full of hidden dangers like logs, old bridge pylons, car bodies and invisible gravel/sand bars.

I had a dear friend lose his life on this river and have known of countless other accidents that have claimed lives.

I know what it is like to grieve, but in these situations you must have a sense of solidarity and focus and trying to prevent future accidents, not resort to name calling and finger pointing.

It can't be said enough, the area was well marked but maybe we need to have it marked even more so and stop arguing about it. Surely a judge will make that decision in the future if it comes to that. 2010 is a long way away and people should continue to enjoy all that the Snake has to offer, hopefully in a safer way. "

To NA wrote on Jun 30, 2008 7:39 AM:

" THEIR WAS NO DRINKING...... "

sensitive wrote on Jun 28, 2008 7:14 PM:

" You know river boater is just contributing his own experience to the facts of this story. He is not implying that there was recklessness involved. He is not criticizing or laying blame. He's telling you hysterical, grief-stricken people that the area was marked as hazardous. A tragedy has happened and that leads to emotional reactions. But, it is still important to know the facts. "Vile heathens? Please, "Friend," get a grip. "

Blink wrote on Jun 28, 2008 5:17 PM:

" what does it take to be properly marked? A wall, strobe lights dangle people with bull horns in wait to give an audio warning as motorboat operators to hear? It is an obvious water craft hazzard LIKE ALL Bridges, turns, mooring areas, island areas, The Snake River is no Joke and should be considered as such at all times. All would be future motorboat operators take caution when running the lengths of this river. "

NA wrote on Jun 28, 2008 4:43 PM:

" Do NOT drink and drive, do NOT drink and boat..... "

Friend wrote on Jun 27, 2008 10:47 AM:

" To "River Boater" read the news now, the cable wasn't marked Properly" You vile heathens that write this crap when a son, grandson, father, husband, brother and friend is dead and his funeral is on his own birthday. Shame you to hell. "

I am so sorry.. wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:35 PM:

" To "river boater"
I am glad your experience running your boat by the bridge, kept you from being be the one we are all going to say goodbye to. Just a remider to you- A path followed many times can change in a instance. This is true for so many situations in life. I do not think a lawsuit is on anyones mind right now. I do think you may have left your heart down river... "

River boater... wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:01 PM:

" Here comes the lawsuit...

I have been to that bridge in a jet boat many times in the last few months and I never went under it full-speed ahead. Why? Because I saw the signs. I read the warnings. I paid attention. I am still alive.

I've done it at night. I've done it in the rain and in the sunshine.

It is blatantly marked as a very dangerous place.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people and it is a total tragedy but it could have been avoided.

Undoubtedly, a lawsuit will be filed. It's just a matter of time. "

Just me Friend wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:28 AM:

" We loved Aaron and will miss him more than you will ever know! This has been one of the toughest things we have ever been thru....we are soooo sorry for your loss and we will keep Carrie and the kids in our prayers always! If the family ever need anything please just ask. I will miss him and his crazy self so much esp. his phone manners...silly guy always a joker and always had something funny and whitty to say...Also to his Best friedn K.W. Please know your in our prayers also! We know how much you loved him and what a bond to two of you shared!! This is just as hard on you as it is his own family and we love you!!! "

Just me wrote on Jun 26, 2008 10:20 AM:

" ok so I went down to the river 2 days after this happened and the signage says "Cable under Water" nothing about it being 5 feet over the water...the sun was in there eyes and it was a freak accident! and at the time there were 2 little flags (like the neon paper stuff that is on trees in the forest)on the far sides of the cable not right over the water where the cable was across the water...not anything easy to see..and they were both to the sides of the cable by the pylons...not anything like it is now, with lights hanging down and ribbons all over it...This is so something that should NOT have happened!!! I feel someone State of OR or the Construction comp someone should be held responsible!!!! This young father should be here to take his kids fishing any time he wants and now will never again be able to share that with them.....WHY???!!! "

Friend wrote on Jun 26, 2008 10:04 AM:

" I had the privelege of know both Aaron and Carrie for many years. My children are the same age as theirs, and attend the same daycare. He was such a devoted, loving father and husband. Many times I watched him help complete strangers with more compassion than some people give their own families. He is greatly missed by everyone in this community. God bless all the families involved in this terrible trajedy; we are praying for you all!!

For those passing judgements, I think the others have said very well how the marking was not adequate. Aaron was a responsible boater and anyone who wants to pass opinions based on hearsay...Shame on you! "

Friend wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:06 AM:

" I feel blessed that I knew Aaron and am very sad for his family it is a shame that he was taken from them at such a young age. I am confident that he will be watching over his family and friends and will want us to remember him for who he was. and move on with our lives. I will cherish the fact that I was fortunate enough to know him and have such great memories of him. "

its hot in here wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:59 PM:

" Thank you Sandie- "

Sandie wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:38 PM:

" All the information will be posted in the paper later, but when I spoke with the family they were setting up a benefit fund for his two children at the Zion bank in Fruitland. You can also send condolences and donations to the funeral home and they will get them to Carrie and the family. "

its hot in here wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:20 AM:

" I want to extend my apologies to all bloggers who read what I wrote earlier. It came across NOT in the way intended. I was simply trying to put out there how we need to se SO CAREFUL on these waterways. In no way or form was I trying to place blame on this poor man. I cannot fathom losing someone in this manner, nor being in the boat with him when it happened and the sheer hell they now have to face and live with for the rest of their lives after watching him die. Please accept my apolgies- hurt was not meant to happen but future education. I have called around Payette and Fruitland looking for donation funds possibly set up for the family? Does anyone know of any? "

Horrible wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:20 AM:

" Its absolutely horrible and disgusting that the Argus allows any blogs to be posted that are negative towards this article. A man has died, not just a man, but a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, and a father. If this was my family member, at a time like this and I read these pathetic comments that some people have made. I would be crushed. Have you people no heart? Your horrible disgusting people. Argus we all know what a pathetic paper you are and that you have no class whatsoever,but sometime I think we just hope that you would get a clue. But no that never happens! "

Family wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:20 AM:

" For all of you who are here just to comment on how they were stupid to not see the signs, shame on you. And also, just to fill you in, the cable was marked in one direction, not the other. The direction that they were traveling was not marked, they couldn't see the cable. So, if you are just writing here to give your dumbass opinion, of how he willfully steered the boat into a cable, save your breath, no one cares what you think. I cant believe people can be so cold. I can speak for the rest of us, we all loved and cared for Aaron, and will dearly miss him. I would never wish this type of tragity on anyones family.

Thank you for everyone elses support in this time of need, it is greatly appreciated. "

To its hot in here wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:46 AM:

" Their was signs going up the river but their was NO signs going down. They still should of had it mark better. They should of had Ribben tired on it.
BUT THEY DIDNT..... Go look now its way marked. Thats how it should of been in the first place. "

paul wrote on Jun 24, 2008 1:17 PM:

" Our family is very sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers. "

its hot in here wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Though a tragic thing has happened, our thoughts are with the families, BUT one has to hold accountability. I mean, not to sound callous, but there are signs, you cannot say "oh I can't see any cable so there must not be any". You have been warned, therefore you need to be responsible and be on high alert looking for those cables. "

A Fishing Friend wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:54 AM:

" Arron and I have spent many hours fishing together. I will miss those times. Rest in peace my friend. "

Sooo .... wrote on Jun 24, 2008 6:21 AM:

" I get the "adequate signage" but I am wondering if the cable itself was flagged. Cables can be really hard to see. The area may have looked clear to these boaters.

Think about it. There were three people on the boat ... if any of them had realized the danger in time, this wouldn't have happened. The signage obviously wasn't THAT effective. "

A caring person in the community wrote on Jun 24, 2008 6:00 AM:

" We are so sorry for the loss. We can't imagine the pain you are feeling.. It's not much but knopw that there are tons of people praying for your families. God be with all of you! "

lowell troyer wrote on Jun 24, 2008 12:11 AM:

" my dad called on sunday and told me the sad news. our thoughts and prayers are with his wife,kids,his sister lisa,and his mom and dad. "

Dear Mother ... wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:22 PM:

" Who said the Argus is withholding names of the other passengers? I didn't see that anywhere in the story. In fact, I would bet the names weren't released at the time of publication. In fact, when something like this occurs on the weekend, I would say it is probably pretty hard to get any information. I was surprised Aaron's name was even released.

Just an educated guess ... "

some nerve wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:17 PM:

" WOW! Marsha if you needed attention that was a great way to do it. The facts are black and white a horrible thing happened and a family is suffering. Get over yourself marsha. "

bass fisherman wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:33 PM:

" A new bridge is being constructed across the river from Weiser, Id to Annex, Or. A series of new pylons are now being placed on the East side of the bridge on the downriver side. A crane used to put the pylons in place is sitting on rather large sealed pipes which are used to keep the crane afloat.

A cable stretches across the length of the river which helps keep the crane's floats in place, so the river's current does not sweep it down river.

Large signs both upriver and downriver very clearly warn boaters of the hazard, as they are marked in blaze orange.

It's astonishing to think someone would run a jet boat underneath the bridge without having noticed the signs and the equipment: cranes, tractors, structural steel and the temporary bridge.

While tragic, it is a case of somebody not paying attention, as this accident happened in broad daylight, in spite of the fact there is adequate signage. "

Angela wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Aaron will be missed by many people. He had a kind heart and great spirit he was a great friend. Carrie is a bright and loving person, she is strong but the loss of a loved one so dear would be hard to handle for Anyone.
Carrie take care and if you need anything call. "

Mother of wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:56 PM:

" It is kind of wierd that the Argus is withholding the names of the other passengers. Are they injured? Are their families in need of support? I've heard rumors, of course, but doesn't the paper usually list the names of involved paries, unless they are minors? "

Duh Marsha ... wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:50 PM:

" The Argus can only report what officials tell them. I'm sure if alcohol was involved, it will be reported in the paper. However, who frakking cares? If alcohol was involved, so what? Aaron is dead regardless of the cause. That is a sad fact his family must now face.

How about you be respectful and shut your mouth unless you actually have something intelligent to say. "

Miguel wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:46 PM:

" Very tragic (regardless of alcohol, Marsha). My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

I don't live in the area any longer, so can someone fill me in on how exactly the river is marked off and why wires are hanging only feet from the water? "

Friend wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:33 AM:

" Aaron will be missed by many people. I am deeply sorry for his family's loss. "

Friend wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:47 AM:

" My heart goes out to the Family and children. Im so sorry for this horrific event. Please know that God never gives us more than we can handle, and sometimes we don't understand why Bad things happen to Good people. Your in my prayers. "

Shame on you Marsha wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:45 AM:

" Who freaking cares if Alcohol is involved. A family is greiving over a loss of a Husband, and father. Why would that make a difference? I swear people are so COLD hearted now days. Marsha I will be praying for you. Thats all I can say! "

Bill wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Nice comment marsha. Who cares someone died. "

Friend wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:11 PM:

" My heart goes out to the Grant and Wells Family. A lot of people in Fruitland are praying and thinking of you all. "

marsha wrote on Jun 22, 2008 7:28 PM:

" Was alcohol involved in this horrific accident? If so, would the Argus report that fact? Will the Argus allow this comment? "

TERMS OF USE

Those who post comments are accountable for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they furnish. While we encourage writers to utilize this service on our Web site, we also strongly suggest they treat it as public forum where good taste counts. We reserve the right to decline for approval objectionable material from these blogs.

Writers that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments - such as racists language, threats or comments unrelated to the story - will not be approved for the blogs. Also, entries that are unsigned or "signatures" by someone other than the actual writer will not be approved.

While writers can still post anonymously, we strongly suggest that they do not do so.

Opinions, guidance and other information expressed in Argus Observer story blog comments and on the Argus Observer blogs represent the individuals' own views and not necessarily those of the Argus Observer. The Argus Observer furnishes this type of forum and does not endorse and is not accountable for statements or advice from anyone other than an designated Argus Observer spokesperson.