Morrisville Woman Drowns During Lamoille River Kayaking Trip

Experts warn even experienced paddlers face risks from spring snowmelt conditions.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a turbulent, fast-flowing river surrounded by rugged, snow-capped mountains, conveying the overwhelming power and scale of the natural environment.The Lamoille River's frigid spring currents proved treacherous for even experienced kayakers, as a recent tragedy on the waterway tragically demonstrated.Morrisville Today

A 34-year-old woman from Morrisville, Vermont drowned while kayaking on the Lamoille River in Wolcott on Saturday. Authorities say Sarah Goldberg and her kayaking partner Maddie Clark, both experienced paddlers, encountered turbulent water that caused Goldberg to capsize and become trapped underwater, leading to her tragic death.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that even skilled kayakers can face on Vermont's waterways during the spring snowmelt season, when cold temperatures, fast currents, and unpredictable conditions can quickly turn a recreational outing into a life-threatening situation.

The details

According to the Lamoille County Sheriff's Office, Goldberg and Clark were kayaking on the Lamoille River when they hit some rough water. Goldberg was thrown from her kayak and became trapped underwater, unconscious. Clark tried to rescue her, but was unable to pull her from the river. Emergency responders performed CPR but were unable to revive Goldberg, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Goldberg and Clark were kayaking on the Lamoille River in Wolcott, Vermont.

The players

Sarah Goldberg

A 34-year-old woman from Morrisville, Vermont who drowned while kayaking on the Lamoille River.

Maddie Clark

Goldberg's kayaking partner, also from Marshfield, Vermont.

Roger Marcoux

The Lamoille County Sheriff who provided details about the incident.

Steven Brownley

The owner of Umiak Outfitters, an outdoor gear and adventure company, who offered safety tips for kayakers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What it looks like is got into some turbulent water and ended up out of her kayak upside down and wasn't able to swim out of it. 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.”

— Roger Marcoux, Lamoille County Sheriff

“There are a lot of lurking dangers out there that we have to be aware of.”

— Steven Brownley, Owner, Umiak Outfitters

“So no water can get into the suit whatsoever, so if we go in the water, we're staying warm because we put insulating layers underneath the dry suit.”

— Steven Brownley, Owner, Umiak Outfitters

What’s next

Authorities will continue investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of Goldberg's drowning. The Lamoille County Sheriff's Office is also expected to provide additional safety recommendations for kayakers and other recreational users of Vermont's waterways during the spring snowmelt season.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that even experienced kayakers can face on Vermont's rivers and streams during the spring, when cold temperatures, fast currents, and unpredictable conditions can quickly turn a recreational outing deadly. It underscores the importance of proper preparation, safety gear, and caution when venturing out on the water.