Passer-by helps save Utahns from Colorado River rafting accident

MOAB — The second he stuck his foot in the water, Ken Goss caught his breath.

But despite the icy flow, Goss didn't think twice before plunging into the swift Colorado River, on his way to helping save four lives.

Just moments earlier, Goss had watched as a raft overturned in the river, spilling its four riders.

Goss, a former EMT and firefighter from Grand Junction, Colo., was traveling with his family on Friday for a hiking trip near Moab when he saw the accident.

Meanwhile, what started as a fun day on the Colorado River quickly become a life-and-death struggle for David and Judi Broadbent and their two young children.

While navigating a rapid called the "Trash Compactor," their raft overturned, throwing them into the frigid, fast-moving current.

The South Salt Lake family had rafted the river many times with their 3-year-old son Silas, but it was the first time for their 11-month-old boy, Jachin.

With a little boy in both arms, Judi Broadbent fought to keep all of their heads above water, with help from the life jackets all were wearing.

"It was pretty freaky," she said. "The whole time I was worried about those little boys drowning."

With all of them yelling for help, Goss appeared on the shore, then jumped in.

"When that cold hit me, it was like 'Oh man,' " he said. "By the time I reached them, the water had really taken a lot out of me. I was pretty drained."

With all of them fighting the current and the effects of the cold, Goss helped the family grab the raft and head for shore.

After reaching the shore, however, the rescuer nearly had to be rescued himself.

Judi Broadbent said she could tell Goss was going into shock from the cold water.

"We were all exhausted and cold," she said. "His face was completely white, and he was going into shock, but he kept forcing himself to keep going."

After he helped the family up the hill, Goss' children helped the young boys dry off. Meanwhile, Goss himself began to feel the effects of his icy plunge.

"I never took the time to realize I was soaking wet, so I eventually collapsed on the road," he said.

Catching a ride with more good Samaritans, David Broadbent retrieved the family's truck, then drove Goss to the hospital to recover from hypothermia.

Goss said his past experiences as an emergency responder presented him with similar challenges.

"I really don't want to make a big deal out of it," he said. "But my family knows I'm not going to sit by and watch idly while someone suffers."

Judi Broadbent said she is glad her family was able to deal with the potentially deadly situation and appreciates Goss' efforts to help them.

"I'm … very thankful for Ken, who was brave enough to attempt a rescue in cold water without a life jacket," she said.

e-mail: jsmith@desnews.com