On 07/21/2012, at about 12:56 p.m. the operator of a small one-man raft was floating down the Spokane River. He had been drinking and was reported by witnesses to be intoxicated.  He had a Type II PFD on board but was not wearing it and no paddles on board the vessel.  He had been on the water about 30 minutes prior to the incident. 

Near the Sandifur Bridge he entered a Class II rapids and the raft was swept into a concrete pillar, where it became entangled with a large tree which was pinned against the pillar.  raft capsized and he was pinned against the tree branches.  The swift current held him under water and he drowned.  His raft and PFD were recovered downstream.   

victim was removed from the tree by emergency personnel and transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

There were no injuries - 1 fatality. 
The operator was intoxicated and there was evidence of alcohol. 
There was no damage to the vessel. 
The victim was not wearing a PFD but there was a Type II on board the vessel. 
The victim had no formal operator instruction and did not have the mandatory boater education card. 
There were no Rules of the Road violations and it is strongly suspected that he exceeded the .08 limit for operating a vessel.
Spokane                       