Tragedy after woman, 34, struck rough water while kayaking on Vermont river with friend

Published: 03:32, 8 April 2026 | Updated: 03:41, 8 April 2026 A 34-year-old seasoned kayaker tragically drowned after encountering choppy waters on a Vermont river.  Sarah Goldberg, of Morrisville, was kayaking with a friend on the icy Lamoille River in Wolcott Saturday when turbulent waters overturned her boat.  Goldberg was unable to escape her capsized kayak and tragically drowned, according to police.  The Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department said officers rushed to the river just before 2pm, NBC5 reported. When first responders arrived, they discovered a body floating face down in the water.  'What it looks like, is [Sarah] got into some turbulent water and ended up out of her kayak upside down, and wasn’t able to swim out of it,' Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux told WCAX. 'It sounds like a pretty horrific scene where they were trying to get to her as she was floating down the river unconscious, and finally her partner was able to get hold of her,' he added. First responders began CPR and rushed Goldberg to Copley Hospital, but she was later pronounced dead.  Sarah Goldberg, identified via Facebook, of Morrisville, was kayaking with a friend on the icy Lamoille River in Wolcott Saturday when turbulent waters overturned her boat The Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department said officers rushed to the river just before 2pm Goldberg’s kayaking partner, Maddie Clark of Marshfield, told WCAX that both were experienced paddlers eager to get back on the river after winter.  Clark added that no one is safe from the dangers of cold water and fast currents. Tributes poured in on social media for the 34-year-old, as locals sent condolences to Goldberg's loved ones. 'So sorry for the family and friends that lost this precious family member,' one person wrote via Facebook. 'Sending love and light to all is impacted by this,' another person posted. 'She was so experienced and the smartest person I knew. She never would have done something if she didn't think it was 100 percent safe. There is a massive hole in our community right now that nothing will ever fill it,' another user posted. Even well-prepared paddlers can be at risk on Vermont waterways this time of year.  'There are a lot of lurking dangers out there that we have to be aware of,' Steven Brownlee, owner of the outdoors wear brand Umiak Outfitters, told the outlet. Brownlee offered safety tips, emphasizing the importance of dressing properly from head to toe in icy conditions to protect against frostbite. Wearing life jackets and helmets while kayaking was also highlighted, as Clark confirmed they were properly equipped and wearing the correct gear on the water.  First responders rushed Goldberg to Copley Hospital, but she was later pronounced dead Goldberg’s kayaking partner, Maddie Clark, added that no one is safe from the dangers of cold water and fast currents Brownlee stressed the importance of scouting the river first, by checking water levels and assessing rapid currents.  He advised less-experienced paddlers take classes to handle emergencies and always avoid going out alone during this season. The incident is still under investigation, NBC5 reported.  The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.