A West Pittsburg man died yesterday after his canoe capsized in the Beaver River.

He was canoeing in Taylor Township, Lawrence County, about a quarter mile down river from the Reliant Energy power plant shortly after 8 p.m. when the canoe he and his girlfriend were in tipped over, said Taylor Township Assistant Fire Chief Bill Anderson Sr.

They were canoeing with another couple, who called 911 and reported that the man, who was in his mid-50s, was unconscious.

Neither the man nor woman were underwater for very long, Chief Anderson said.

"He didn't drown," he said, but added that he did not know the cause of death.

The couple was found clinging to a log when rescue personnel arrived, the chief said.

The man was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he later died.