Operator launched his driftboat on the Skykomish River at the Highbridge launch on June 3.  His intention was to float to the take-out in the town of Snohomish.  

According to the Snohomish Co. Sheriff's Office, the water was high from snowmelt/rain and flowing swiftly.  He rowed his 10' aluminum drift boat onto an island just upstream from the State Route 522 bridge at the confluence of the Snohomish River and Snoqualmie River where his friends were illegally fishing and camping from this location.  The camp site was located on the upstream side of the island.  subject said that operator was drunk and had a bottle of Maker's Mark alcohol with him that he shared.

Operator was fed ribs because of how drunk he was.  Operator offered Subject some marijuana but he declined.  Operator offered to share his bottle of alcohol with him and he accepted.  

Operator told Subject that he was headed to the Crab Bar.  Subject asked Operator if he was sure he wanted to do that because he was so drunk and offered to give him a ride in his jet boat to Crab Bar then bring him back for his boat in the morning.  Operator declined the offer and proceeded on the Snohomish River (river left) downstream  in his boat.  Subject said that it was dark, about 9:30pm.  Operator had neither flotation in the boat nor any flashlight and was carrying fishing gear only.  Subject said something to the effect that he (or they) had told Operator to stay in the middle of the river.  Subject said that he lost sight of Operator approximately 200 yards downstream from the campsite-upstream from the 522 bridge.

Operator was reported overdue and his vehicle and trailer were retreived by his mother at the take-out ramp.  His body and the boat were found on August 13 when a sighting was made from the SCSO's helicopter.
Snohomish                     