A kayaker and former Marine lost his life on a solo kayaking trip in a Potomac River tributary, prompting warnings about paddling in heavy water flow conditions.
Sean Chilson, 34, of Thurmont, Maryland, set out in his kayak on May 14 from the Creagerstown Park ramp along the Monocacy River. At the time, USGS water monitoring data show that the river at Monocacy Blvd. in Frederick rose to water levels between 13 and 14 feet during the late morning and early afternoon hours of May 14 due to significant rainfall on previous days. (17.8 feet is considered “flood stage”).
His family reported him missing around noon May 14 and his kayak was spotted unoccupied, going under the Devilbiss Bridge downriver. Around 1 p.m., the kayak was retrieved between Biggs Ford Road and Liberty Road.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police (NRP) launched a search for Chilson, together with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue, Loudoun County (Virginia) Fire & Rescue, Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, and Carroll Manor Fire Company. Police advised, “Visitors are discouraged from traveling in the area due to dangerous water conditions and ongoing search operations.”
The Monocacy is a 58-mile-long river, the longest Maryland tributary of the Potomac River. It includes a 41.4-mile stretch known as the Monocacy Scenic River Water Trail, part of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. While the river is considered an easy- to intermediate-level paddle, the Water Trail guide says, “The Monocacy River does reach hazardous flood stages after rain events… There is some risk involved in water paddling. Weather and water conditions can change quickly.” The guide advises paddlers to check weather conditions before starting a river trip and never to travel alone.
Six days after Chilson’s kayak was found unoccupied, his body was recovered in the same area near Biggs Ford Road, an NRP spokesman tells us. According to family members of Chilson, he was a former Marine and an avid outdoorsman and kayaker. According to his obituary, “Sean found peace and happiness in the great outdoors, whether he was kayaking on tranquil waters, hiking through the woods, or fishing at dawn.”
Amid the heavy water flows on the Monocacy and the Potomac River itself, the Chesapeake Paddlers’ Association warned, “All this rain has the Potomac River flowing high and hard… if you are planning to go out kayaking, check the river gauges to see what the current is like,” encouraging all paddlers to monitor conditions before heading out in a kayak. The Association also reminded paddlers, “Be safe out there. Leave a float plan. Wear your PFD and paddle with a partner or a group.”
