Bethany, Mo.: Amish man Daniel K. Borntreger, a member of the Amish community west of Bethany, drowned Thursday in a canoeing accident on the Mulberry River in northwestern Arkansas.
Mr. Borntreger, 48, was in a canoe with three other men when the boat capsized at about 2:15 p.m., according to Arkansas Game and Fish officials. The other three men were able to swim to safety, but Mr. Borntreger was later found face down in the water.
âThey pulled his body out of the river, but he did not survive,â Arkansas Game and Fish Commission spokesman Keith Stephens told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Fayetteville. Stephens said Mr. Borntreger was wearing a life vest but it wasnât properly zipped up.
Funeral services for Mr. Borntreger were held Monday at his home near the Shady Grove Church.
Les Kelim, who operates his familyâs farm near Mr. Borntreggerâs home, described his neighbor as a hard working man who helped his neighbors.
Kelim had sold hay to the Amish man for several years. He raised horses and sheep on his farm.
Mr. Borntreger had a business making pallets along with his children. They sold the products to area dealers.
Kelim said he had enjoyed visiting with Mr. Borntreger who moved to Harrison County with his family from out-of-state about four or five years ago. âHe was a pretty quiet and low-key fellow,â Kelim said.