On 8/16/2012, at about 1:59pm, deceased, and his grandson were floating the Yakima river in a 6'4" inflatable rubber raft.  The raft was put in at Ringer.  Operator was seated on top of a cooler in the center of the raft.  Grandson accompanied the raft in an inner tube alongside.  Shortly after they started out, Operator reportedly fell out of the raft and into the river.  According to family members, Operator was not a strong swimmer.  Both Operator and Grandson were wearing PFDs, but because of his size (obese) Operator was unable to buckle his PFD closed. 

The river's current drew Operator into overhanging brush on the east bank where he struggled and called out for help.  Grandson jumped out of his inner tube and tried to help Operator.  Grandson eventually was able to pull Operator toward the shore in a shallow cove of the east bank of the river about 400 yards southeast of the boat launch.  There was white foam at his mouth.   

Witnesses had been floating the river and heard Grandson's cries for help.  They went to the bank and subject, who had CPR training, helped Grandson pull Operator at least partly onto shore and began CPR.  Subject2 called 911 and gave directions to their location.  A rescue boat returned good samaritan, Grandson, and Operator (deceased) to Ringer Loop.   

Sergeant delivered Grandson to the custody of CPS while his family was contacted to come pick him up. 

No evidence of alcohol was present.  There were no other injuries or vessel damages reported.
Ellensburg                    