Death of man whose kayak flipped near Donnacona, Que., was accidental: coroner | CBC News

A Quebec coroner has found that the death of a man in April whose kayak capsized near Donnacona — about 45 kilometres west of Quebec City — was accidental.

Dan Michel, 46, died of hypothermia after his kayak flipped in the cold water of the Jacques-Cartier River’s “transcontinental” section on April 16, according to the report. In spring, that section of the river is winding, and the water volume can reach 230 cubic metres.

The coroner, Dr. Jean-Marc Picard, explained that Michel’s dry suit was in poor condition, which led to his death.

“Mr. Michel planned to buy a new one soon,” the report reads. “He was safely equipped (helmet, personal flotation vest) but unfortunately his dry suit, which was not waterproof at the neck, caused his death.”

When Michel’s kayak capsized, a friend accompanying him on the trip threw him a rope two to three times before jumping into the water to try to save him. Two other kayakers also helped get Michel out of the water.

“Despite his friend’s various attempts to warm him up, Mr. Michel had become confused, rigid and aphasic,” the coroner’s report reads.

Michel was taken to the CLSC de Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, where he was pronounced dead.

No autopsy was performed. However, Picard conducted an external examination of Michel at the Quebec City morgue on April 17.

“There were no signs of trauma or wounds that could explain the death,” the report reads.