Accident Report

Sheriff Burnett reports that on July 30,  a 60‐year‐old Walla Walla, WA. man drowned in the Wenatchee River. A group of approximately 6 friends and family were floating the Wenatchee River near Dryden, WA. As the group approached the rapids known as “Rock and Roll”, the man was flipped from his tube and began struggling to get to shore. The group encountered a second set of rapids and most of the party was separated by this time. One of the relatives located the man floating face down in the water. He was dragged to shore and out of the water. A commercial raft was floating by and helped load the man onto the raft and ferried him to EMS on the opposite shore. After approximately an hour of CPR, he was pronounced dead. The group was not wearing life jackets and were not familiar with the river. All bodies of water in Chelan County and around the state are flowing at a higher level than usual due to the late summer heat. Recreationalist should be aware that the waters are colder and more swift than usual. Please remember to wear a life jacket, scout the entire section of river you plan to float for hazards, and know where to take out.