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Kayaker who died in Potomac River identified

22-year-old was one of three paddlers involved in Sunday incident The kayakerwho died after falling out of his boatin the Potomac River on Sunday has been identified as 22-year-old William Lankford from Lynchburg, Virginia. Three kayakers were...

Dan Murphy • •1 min read
Kayaker who died in Potomac River identified
Public Safety & Justice

Kayaker who died in Potomac River identified

22-year-old was one of three paddlers involved in Sunday incident

By

Abigail Stuckrath - WTOP

May 6, 2026 4:48 p.m.

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    Kayaker death Potomac River
    22-year-old William Lankford from Lynchburg, Virginia, died Sunday. Photo credit: Courtesy Pete Piringer

    The kayaker who died after falling out of his boat in the Potomac River on Sunday has been identified as 22-year-old William Lankford from Lynchburg, Virginia.

    Three kayakers were navigating down the Potomac near Great Falls when Lankford suddenly became separated from the group on May 3. The two other kayakers later found him struggling in the rapids, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

    The two men rescued Lankford from the water, brought him to shore and began performing CPR.

    Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were dispatched to the scene around 2:30 p.m.

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    Originally published at Bethesdamagazine