Updated
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Responders are looking for a 17-year-old Tacoma boy in the Chehalis River at Rainbow Falls State Park.
He and his friends had been camping and decided to swim near the falls when he went under, came up flailing and was pulled under again, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
Fire Chief Tim Kinder said he responded with a thermal imaging camera to assist but the current was too swift.
The initial call came about 3:20 p.m.
“My understanding is another teen grabbed a hold of him, but was not able to hold on,” Kinder said.
A diver was on the way to the scene about 6 p.m.
The swift water rescue team from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office has been searching and are still out there this evening, sheriff’s office Chief Civil Deputy Stacy Brown said at about 8 p.m.
More to come as information becomes available.
Update Sunday June 15, 2014: The young man’s body was recovered this morning in the same area where he went under, a teen originally from Nigeria, only in Washington for eight months on his first-ever camping trip, according to the sheriff’s office.
Lewis County Fire Districts 16 and 11 along with the sheriff’s office swift water rescue team and a diver from Thurston County reconvened this morning after a search last night that went until dark, according to Brown.
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CORRECTION: This has been updated to correct an error made in relating a statement made by Chief Kinder.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Swimming? This past weekend?
It was only in the mid-60’s, overcast with chilly winds blowing. I wouldn’t think someone from Nigeria would find those conditions inviting for taking a plunge in a chilly river. I wonder if he knew how to swim, or if he cramped up? The water in that spot isn’t that swift or high this time of year. I – and everyone else aboard our raft – was dumped in the water at that very spot – fully clothed – no life vests -during a River Run one April, years ago. We all made it out on our own. No problem – and we were drunk.
Summer, specifically water season, has not even begun, and there have already have 2 water related deaths, of children, in Lewis County. Take this as a reminder, and tell anyone and everyone: These rivers, as beautiful and inviting as they look, are extremely dangerous, and have proven deadly. Regardless of your skill, or perceived skill, the rivers of the NW, are a force to reckon with. Expert divers had to wait days to enter looking for that little boy last month in Randle. EXPERT divers had to wait for the river to cooperate……….get it? EXPERT divers, at the mercy of the river. That is your red flag~
That water is cold and fast. Not a good place to try and go swimming.
This is very very sad, I hate reading news like this. His poor parents.
How utterly and unnecessarily tragic!