On 04/14/2012 the victim was rafting on the Chehalis River during the Pe Ell "river run", an informal event that is not permitted by the county.  The event starts in Pe Ell at Queen Avenue and goes downriver towards the Elk Creek bridge outside of Doty.  According to a witness, most of the participants in the race drank alcohol before starting and then again at the Elk Bridge location where there was a fire was located to warm up people.  The end point is at Rainbow Falls State Park.  The victim and a companion were in a raft that had 'popped' so another person loaned him a single seat raft at the Elk Creek bridge.  A witness reported that when the victim started there was a 30 pack of beer and that when they arrived at Elk Creek, only 8 cans were left.  

Two witnesses said they saw the victim get back into the 1 man raft at Elk Creek then did not see him after that.  All parties stated that the victim was not wearing a lifejacket.  The victim was last seen on a gravel bar in the area.  

One witness said their plan was to meet at the end point and the witness waited for 20 minutes for subject.  Another person waited longer and drove up and down the road along the river looking for the victim

On 04/16/2012 victim was reported missing.  It was reported on 04/17/2012 that a small raft used by the victim was located on 4/15/2012, downstream from the victim's last known location.  On 04/19/2012 the victim was located approximately 100 yards downstream from his last known location.  He was about 10 to 15 feet from the south shore line in approximately 5 feet of water.  There were no signs of foul play.

The investigation report states victim was using alcohol and had not been wearing a PFD.

Dryad                         