At approximately 1:30 p.m. on June 5, 2019, rangers at the Buffalo Point Visitor Center were notified that a man was unresponsive near the Buffalo Point river access in the park’s Lower District.
Melvin Doyle Perkins, 67, of West Orange, Texas, and his family had been tubing the Buffalo National River from Dillard’s Ferry to Buffalo Point. After arriving at Buffalo Point, he went to the truck to cool off while his family remained on the gravel bar. When his family joined him at the truck, they found him unresponsive.
National Park Service rangers responded within minutes and started life saving procedures. The park also called upon Marion County First Responders and Baxter Regional Ambulance and AirEvac to respond to the scene. The National Park Service appreciates the efforts made by everyone involved and offers our deepest condolences to the family.
Floating conditions in the Lower District of Buffalo National River were considered “moderate" on June 5, 2019. Temperatures were in the 80’s with high humidity.
To report an emergency at Buffalo National River, please call the park’s 24-hour dispatch center at 1-888-692-1162.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
