Rubber Boots May Have Been Cause of Drowning
Cruz Roja (Red Cross) rescue experts theorize that the rubber boot German national, Kai Karpensky, could have played a factor in his drowning. Dive experts recovered the body yesterday after drowning on Sunday in waterfalls of the Savegre river.

Kai drowned when attempting to help a Costa Rican couple save their two sons in the water. Carlos Manuel Ortiz Cabezas and Susan Marie Pérez Echeverría both died in the attempt. Their bodies were recovered the same day, however, Kai's body was pressed between rocks and a dive team was needed in the rescue and recovery effort.

Neighbours of the San Gerardo Dota area who knew Kai said he was a good swimmer, in good physical condition and new the waterfalls well. So, the question remains, why did he drown?

According to Rodolfo Chacón, a resident of the area, the waterfalls produces a whirlpool of the water hole used by swimmers. "We know that he was wearing rubber boots and logically once the filled with water, it was difficult for him to swim", said Chacón.

The rescue team found Kai wearing only one boot, theorizing that he tried to take them off.

Kai was married to Costa Rican María Laura Dada Ortiz, owner of the Hotel Manantiales, where he worked as manager.