by Kianoosh Mehrabi, Iran Rafting Association.
Our best river friend, Mr Payam Banihashemi, lost his life on the Haraz River on Friday 19 August 2016, while he was trying to rescue people. The selfless way that he endangered his own life to save others is something that will always be remembered.
He was a great member of the Board of Directors of Iran Rafting Association, as well as being an IRF Trip Leader, IRF judge, White Water Rescue Technician and an athlete.
About Payam
He was born in spring of 1979 in Tehran. Payam devoted his whole life for Rescue and Relief, spending more than 26000 hours to rescue people in cooperation with Iran Red Crescent and Rescue Organization. He was awarded the Red Crescent “Eisaar Medal” which is the highest certificate of Rescue and Braveness in Iran.
As a rescue team leader he saved many lives in many search and rescue operations including avalanche accidents in Darbandsar and Shemshak (Alborz Slopes), Fasham flood, many mountain accidents, airplane crash in Kerman, many road accidents, and more.
Payam was professionally trained in many rescue and relief fields with certificates including White Water Rescue, Flood Rescue, IRATA, High Wall Rescue, Advanced Crisis Management, Instructor for Crisis Management, Disaster Assessment, Mountain Medicine, Earthquake Rescue, Road Accident Rescue, Mountain Rescue, Instructor for First Aids, Instructor for Mountaineering as well as many courses in Adventure and Ecotourism.
He was one of the founders and a member of the BOD of Iran Rafting Association, and made great efforts in promoting rafting and river rescue in Iran.
He will be missed by the rafting community.
Rest in Peace…
