PIQUA—The Piqua Police Department received a call at 5:11 p.m. on Sunday in regards to a kayak accident.
The victim, Kyle Ratcliff, 29, of Quincy, was transported to Premier Hospital in Troy where he passed away. From their investigation, it was determined Ratcliff began his day at approximately 9 a.m. in Pt. Jefferson, where he entered the water with his kayak to spend the day hunting along the river. He was to be picked up in Troy later in the day by a family member. Ratcliff had taken this route down the river before and was aware of the dam in Piqua. His most recent trip was around Christmas. He texted a family member at 2:35 p.m. advising them he had just entered Piqua.
Two fisherman, who arrived at the river behind the old Piqua Power Plant, observed the overturned kayak and contacted 911. As they were doing so they spotted Ratcliff.
Arriving officers were able to enter the river and bring Ratcliff to shore where members of the Piqua Fire Department administered first aid prior to transporting him to the hospital. No foul play is expected.
