Darnestown Native Killed In Kayaking Accident

Updated (1:36 p.m., Jan. 11): A 20-year-old Darnestown native died in a kayaking accident on Sunday, Jan. 8 in West Virginia, according to a report by the Cumberland Times-News.

Robert A. Norr was trying to navigate Flat Liner Falls in Tucker County's Blackwater River when he became trapped under a rock, officials told the Cumberland Times-News.

Norr was a student at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland.

According to the report, FSU President Jonathan Gibralter informed students of Norr's death in an email Jan. 9.

“It breaks my heart to have to inform you that one of our students, Robert Norr, died in a kayaking accident over the weekend while in West Virginia.

“Robert was a junior recreation and parks management major with a concentration in therapeutic recreation, and also a member of the FSU swim team.

“Our hearts go out to his family and friends, and they will be in our thoughts and prayers,” read the university president’s message, according to the report.

Friends and family took to Norr's Facebook profile to offer their thoughts and prayers.

"‎Bob Norr defined what it takes to give blood, sweat, and soul to everything you do. Rest in peace dear friend," wrote Brandon Baker.

"This is Bob's cousin. I want to Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and memory's of Bob," wrote Erin Ruff. "It is great to read all the times you have shared together. Mary and I are working on putting together a photo montage for the services. If any of you have photos or music to add please let me know. You can email them to me at Erin.mruff@gmail.com. Thank you and continue to remember all the happy times!"

Norr attended Northwest High School in Germantown where he was a two-time captain for its swim team, according to his coaching profile for the Darnestown Swim Team.

Norr finished his third summer coaching the team and had participated in the organization since he was 5-years-old.

A Facebook group, "Rest in Peace Bob Norr," has been created where friends and family have continued share their memories.

According to the group, memorial services will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at the DeVol Funeral Home, located at 10 East Deer Park Drive in Gaithersburg.