New Hampshire Fly Fisherman Dies After Falling in Maine River

A New Hampshire man who was fly fishing with his son in a Maine River died after falling into the water.

A New Hampshire Man Was Fishing With His Son, Who Lives in Maine

James Wescott, 56, of Fremont, New Hampshire died on Father's Day while on a fishing trip in Embden with his son, Jarod Wescott, 34, of Norridgewock, Maine.

Mr. Wescott's Waders Filled With Water When He Fell

Father and son were enjoying a morning of fly fishing on the Kennebec River in Embden at around 8:00 Sunday morning when James decided to change his location. Mark Latti with the Maine Warden Service says the elder Wescott tried to walk out on a gravel bar in the river when he lost his footing. James, who was not wearing a wading belt, fell into the rushing water, his waders quickly filled with water, and he was swept downstream.

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His Son Tried to Save Him But the Current Made It Impossible

Jarod removed his own waders and jumped into the water in an attempt to save his father. He was able to get to James, but the added weight of the water-filled waders and swift current made it impossible to get him back to shore. Jarod had no choice but to leave his father, swim to shore, and make his way to an ATV trail. He was able to get a passerby on an ATV to call 911 at approximately 8:30.

Members of the Anson, Solon, Madison, and Skowhegan Fire Departments all responded to the scene and located James quickly, but he was unresponsive.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.