Park Service names W.Va. boating accident victims

BECKLEY, W.Va. – The National Park Service has identified the victims of a fatal boating accident on a river in southern West Virginia.

Chief Ranger Jeff West says searchers recovered the body of 23-year-old Paul Malone of Lester about 11:45 a.m. Monday. Lester was found about 300 yards downriver from the accident scene on the New River.

West says the search continues for Richmond, Va., resident Sam Acord and Dean Halsey of Lester.

Jeff Acord of Sandstone and Daniel Malone of Lester swam to shore safely after their boat capsized about 5 p.m. Sunday.

West says none of the men was wearing life jackets. He says life jackets would have prevented the tragedy.

The men were aboard a 14-foot jon boat, which West says was rated for three passengers and 350 pounds.