Coroner: Man extracted from Chattooga River drowned

LONG CREEK, S.C. (AP) - An avid paddler whose body and kayak were removed from the Chattooga River on Sunday likely died of drowning, Oconee County, S.C., Coroner Karl Addis said.<br> <br> The river separates northeast Georgia and South Carolina.<br> <br> The body of 40-year-old Keith Green was recovered Sunday. His body had been located by rescue workers on Nov. 11 but the strong current and water depth of the river prevented rescuers from reaching him.<br> <br> On Nov. 9, Green was paddling the river&#39;s string of Class 5 rapids near the U.S. Highway 76 bridge. The rapids are difficult to navigate and are marked with long patches of turbulent water.<br> <br> Green was reported missing Nov. 9 after he became separated from his kayak and was seen swimming near the treacherous ``Crack-in-the-Rock&#39;&#39; rapid, said family spokesman Pat Patterson.<br> <br> Rescue and recovery workers tried again Saturday and Sunday with water levels lower and better weather.<br> <br> The river separates South Carolina and Georgia in northeast Georgia.