An investigation revealed that at approximately 1 p.m., Rudolf Kiburis, a 24-year-old man from Burlington, had arrived at the Huntington Gorge to take friends swimming, an area in which the victim's friends advised the victim was familiar with and had swam there before.
Kiburis, a 2005 graduate of Burr and Burton Academy, entered the water with a friend and began swimming upstream. He swam ahead of his friend and as described by witness statements, got caught in a current and whirlpool area of the Gorge and was unable to get himself to safety.
The water conditions ultimately pulled Kiburis under water, according to police reports.
He was pulled out of the water a short distance downstream and CPR efforts were administered by two individuals who were swimming in the area; however, Kiburis did not survive.
Kiburis was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's Office where an autopsy was scheduled to be performed.
An investigation showed no signs of foul play and statements provided to the State Police by several witnessed indicated the victim was familiar with the Gorge and he was able to swim.
Richmond Police called the Vermont State Police for assistance with the investigation, and a detective with the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, along with an Assistant Medical Examiner, responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.
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