Well, they kill whales, don't they?
Now, seriously, everybody should read "Fast food nation" and "Fatland"? Two excellent books to understand the quasi global obesity health threat (more than a problem, and no longer a simple "issue" - to hell with Political Correctness).
That unfortunate bloke is but one of the countless victims of a ghastly combination of political, industrial and marketing decisions taken some 20 to 30 years ago.
Granted, he should have been exercising regularly and eating 5 servings of expensive fresh fruits and vegetables a day (a well known discipline in the trucking profession), but he is not entirely accountable for his extra weight.
The consumers as a whole have been trapped in the most shameful way.
When a pineapple costs up to $5 (or $4.99) and a 1 pound bag of fresh spinach reaches $ 3.40, some people will always believe that the $ 1 McDonalds gigantic breakfast (and caloric bomb - "I'm loving it!") is a deal.

Ronnie, Paris, FRANCE

This man drives a truck,what kind of medical did he have to get a truck drivers license ,what are his reaction times going to be like if he cant even climb out onto the river bank,and how many people help him in and out of the cab?

jim rhodes, HULL, England

I feel sorry for the fellow. Yes he let himself get into horrible shape while only in his 30's, but water sports like tubing seem like a good way to reintroduce oneself to physical activity ---- but I guess not. For the super obese it is a thin line between safe and unsafe physical activity, but its clear inactivity is also dangerous and deadlier in the long run. Particularly for the younger (30's, 20's) obese, I think they don't often realize its dangers or limitations. Youth makes you overconfident, he thought he would not have a problem doing an activity like tubing. This is a lesson for those who think that obesity only effect health and looks. It limits in many ways and is almost controlling of their lifestyles.

While not as big as this fellow, I have struggled with my weight and have felt the limitation of extra pounds particularly in sports. It hard to just encourgae the fat to walk, because many can do much more and for some walking for even a few minutes is a chore.

George, Portsmouth, USA OHIO