The Vermont State Police identified the body of a 25-year-old woman who was discovered in a river by an Air National Guard helicopter.
Katie Hartnett, 25, a resident of Burlington, had been visiting the 18-mile Huntington River, north of the scenic Huntington Gorge, on July 14 when she slipped and fell into the water.
According to the investigation report, released on July 15, the search for Hartnett began after police were alerted to an unoccupied parked car in Richmond that had been there for several hours.
Once the body was located in the water, it took rescue teams nearly an hour to recover it.
In the week leading up to Hartnett’s death, Vermont experienced historic storms resulting in severe flooding. These storms brought two months’ worth of rainfall in just a few days, causing significant damage. The authorities have referred to this event as Vermont’s worst natural disaster since 1927.
The area of Huntington Gorge was known to be hazardous with rushing water, steep cliffs, and the danger of drowning and falling. Over two dozen people had previously died there due to accidents.
Katie Hartnett was a beloved member of the Burlington community. She was a graduate of Burlington High School and worked as a para educator at Champlain Elementary School. Her parents, former Burlington City Councilor Dave Hartnett and Lisa Hartnett, are devastated by the sudden loss of their only child. In remembrance of Hartnett, a candlelight vigil was held at Flynn Elementary School in Burlington.
The official cause of death is pending and will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.