Kayaker pulled from Upper Truckee River

A kayaker was pulled from being pinned under this tree. Photo/LVFPD

A kayaker is lucky to be alive after getting pinned under a tree on the Upper Truckee River.

Andrew Sessions, an off-duty Lake Valley firefighter, on Sunday afternoon heard calls for help near Portal Bridge. The distressed kayaker’s friend was trying to free him. With Sessions’ help, the man was saved.

He was transported to Barton Memorial Hospital on June 25.

Authorities are reminding people that Upper Truckee River is flowing extremely fast, is incredibly cold and has numerous underwater hazards.

A Minden woman died this spring while paddleboarding the river. There have numerous other reports of dicey situations.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report