68-Year-Old Man Saved in Glider Crash on Lake Berryessa

A 68-year-old man was rescued today in a hang gliding crash on Lake Berryessa.

William Straw, whose hometown is unknown but who is is part of a Santa Barbara paragliding company, was saved by his companion Kevin Howe after the 11 a.m. incident, said Napa County Sheriff's Capt. Tracey Stuart.

Stuart said Straw was gliding over Lake Berryessa in a hang glider at about 500 feet.   Howe said he had towed Straw in the glider by boat to get Straw airborne.

Howe said Straw had been disconnected for approximately 10 minutes when his descent started.  Howe stated he saw the glider start to descend into a downward spiral. 

"The glider carrying William hit the surface of the water at high speed," Stuart said. "Kevin said he drove his boat to the location of the impact and pulled William out of the water.  

"Kevin said William was unconscious and not breathing," Stuart added. "Kevin said William regained consciousness and started breathing again on his own."

Howe drove Straw to a BOR launch ramp where medical personnel took custody of Straw and transported him to Queen of the Valley Medical Center via air ambulance, Stuart said.

Stuart said the men told officers they are part of Eagle Paragliding based out of Santa Barbara.

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