Vessel – 2023 11’ , make and model unknown
Operator/Deceased/Owner 

On 07/26/2023, at about 07:25 p.m., this vessel was operated by O1 on the Snoqualmie River, closest to the city of Fall City, WA in King County.

According to Law Enforcement, Operator was on the river paddling, wearing the ankle leash attached to his ankle. Operator came up to a large tree that has been in the water for sometime on the left of the river. His paddleboard struck the tree which caused him to flip over. The leash became entangled on a snag from the tree. This held him underwater in heavy current. The force of the water held him underwater for about 10 minutes and he was unable to breath or get himself undone from the snag. Other tubers and neighbors in the area dislodged him and attempted CPR, which was unsuccessful. At the time of the incident the river was running about 300cfs. This stretch of the river gets very shallow on the right of the river but there is still a channel on the left of the river where the tree had fallen and was causing a strainer. Operator had very little time/experience on this type of watercraft. No PFD was worn or was on the watercraft.

0 Injury / 1 Fatalities
PFD: Was not worn by operator
Vessel Operator Mandatory Boater Education Card: Unknown
Snoqualmie River
Fall City                     