Reader: I Survived Seidel's Suckhole, But Two People Who Rafted That Day Didn't

We received some very interesting responses to our post about a lawsuit filed after a woman died while rafting through Seidel's Suckhole, on the Arkansas River. Because the woman had signed a waiver before beginning her trip, most readers agreed with a judge's decision not to hold the rafting company...

By Michael Roberts

November 6, 2014

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We received some very interesting responses to our post about a lawsuit filed after a woman died while rafting through Seidel's Suckhole, on the Arkansas River. Because the woman had signed a waiver before beginning her trip, most readers agreed with a judge's decision not to hold the rafting company liable. But there were also plenty of comments about the dangers of Seidel's. Here's one vivid example.

Katy Steck-Sielsky writes:

I rafted Seidel's Suckhole once. I can say I did it, but I'd never do it again. Two people died on the river that same day. I signed a waiver... and although the rafting company took every precaution, I knew my risks and after that day, I knew my limits. It's some dangerous shit!

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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