Man killed on Green River Narrows marks third NC kayaking death of 2018

POLK COUNTY, N.C. — A 20-year-old kayaker from Asheville died Saturday while kayaking with friends on the Green River Narrows, according to authorities.

Rescuers received a call and responded to the scene around 3 p.m. after Matthew Ray became trapped under the water.

Ray's death is the third kayaking death in North Carolina this year.

Burton Greer IV, 34, died last weekend after an accident on the Linville River. Forestry officials said he was an avid whitewater paddler. U.S. Forest Service Officer Wade Keener said Greer was kayaking with a friend when his kayak got stuck between rocks and overturned.

[READ MORE: Kayaker dies after drowning in Linville River in Burke County]

Officials said the river was unusually swollen after recent rains.

On March 3, 50-year-old Maria Noakes of Bryson City died as she paddled down the Cheoah River with her youngest son and two of his friends. All were considered expert paddlers.

[READ MORE: World-class kayaker dies in accident on North Carolina river]

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