Morganton man drowns in Johns River

By Julie N. Chang | The News Herald

Published: November 4, 2009

MORGANTON - A Morganton man drowned Tuesday afternoon in Johns River, approximately 2 miles south of Corpening Bridge.

John Collins, 79, died after his canoe capsized during a squirrel hunt.

Don McGalliard, 71, of Newton was squirrel hunting with Collins and had minor injuries from the canoe accident.

Burke County Emergency Medical Services Sgt. Randall Berry said EOC received a call for help at 3:40 p.m. concerning two people in the water.

A rescue crew on a boat and on a crew on all-terrain vehicles spent approximately an hour searching along Old Johns River Road for the pair.

Burke County Sheriff's Detective Mike Ollis said the pair had seen a squirrel on the river bank and attempted to turn the canoe to go back when it capsized.

The river carried Collins and McGalliard approximately 150 to 200 yards away from where the canoe flipped over.

Burke County Rescue Squad, Eastern Burke County Rescue Squad, Burke County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, a N.C. Department of Corrections BRIDGE crew and Chesterfield, Drexel and Oak Hill fire departments also responded to the scene.