Brad Ellis passes away at San Antonio BAMC
June 11, 2012
Statement from Allen Spelce
President of the Texas Water Safari Board
"All of us in the Texas Water Safari family, including his fellow paddlers, are deeply saddened following the death of Brad Ellis due to hyponatremia. This is the first death during the running of the 260-mile canoe race in its 50-year history. The Water Safari participants are a very close knit community and everyone is deeply saddened by the tragedy. We extend our condolences to Brad's family and share in their grief. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who knew and loved Brad. We will notify the paddling community of any funeral arrangements announced by the family."
Brad Ellis, 30, front, and Ian Rolls, 34, paddle through Cottonseed Rapids in Martindale, Texas Saturday morning, June 9, 2012, after the start of the 2012 Texas Water Safari. Ellis died Monday June 11, 2012 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Anotnio, Texas of complications due to hyponatremia, an electrolyte disturbance in the body. He was airlifted out of Gonzalez County early Sunday morning after race officials were notified that Ellis was having problems. The 260-mile race dubbed the “World’s Toughest Canoe Race” is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year. This is the first fatality in the 50-year history of the race.
Local news coverage
- Dripping Springs man dies in canoe race – Austin American Statesman
- Endurance race claims boater's life – San Antonio Express-News
- Too much water kills paddler – Victoria Advocate
- Dripping Springs man dies in Texas Water Safari – San Marcos Mercury