[joker]

If he was IN the river, one thought occurs to me, as a fellow photographer (one report I read mentioned that he was carrying a tripod so I assume he was hoping to take pictures). Perhaps he was seeking out photos near or even in the river. I've waded into water (rivers, the ocean, etc.) before for shots (I even have lightweight hip waders for ventures where I expect to be doing this in cold water). As noted above, we'll likely never know, but the thought that seeking photos by going off trail might have led to his fate had already occurred to me even before reading that he was found in the river.

[car68]

He had removed his boots and was walking the river in his socks. One boot was found about 150 upstream from him. The other one is missing. I'm wondering why he did that. Would it make walking in the river easier? The water was very cold.

[Tom]

Did they find his camera / memory card? That might shed some light if he was taking pictures near where he was found.

[car68]

Camera was recovered. Last photos taken were at Melakwa between 7:30 and 8:30 am Sunday morning.

[Backpacker Joe]

[mtnresqr]

No, bumping ones toes in cold water is not cool. And, a bumped toe is very distracting. But, wading boots often have 'felt soles' put on for slime traction. So, I have done that, by wearing heavy wool socks over water shoes, and traction is amazing, on slippery rocks. As long as one has spare dry socks for hiking, can't hurt.

[Cyclopath]

Maybe he was trying to avoid wetting his boots. I don't know how deep that water is right now.

[Randito]

I doubt conclusive data will be found to provide a complete picture of what went wrong and why. My condolences to his family who must be asking all these questions and more and trying to make sense of the earthquake that has hit them.