Monitor man drowns in pet rescue attempt

A man drowned in the Wenatchee River after attempting to rescue his pet pig on July 7.

According to a news release from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Brian Burnett explained a 45-year-old man was floating along the river with his son and pet pig near Monitor at approximately at 6 p.m. Each subject was on their own flotation device.

The release noted that the party was between Monitor and Sleepy Hollow Bridge when the pig fell into the river. The man jumped in to rescue the animal but struggled to stay afloat. The son called out for help to people on the river and shoreline.

Witnesses located the pig and brought the animal to shore. 
Chelan County Sheriff's deputies located the man downstream near Sleepy Hollow Bridge and pulled him to shore. CRP was administered to the man, and Chelan County Fire District No. 1 and Ballard Ambulance personnel arrived on scene to continue lifesaving efforts.

Approximately 20 minutes later, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased man's identity will not be released until next of kin is notified. The incident is under investigation.