Body pulled from lake

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office divers recovered the body of a well-known Spokane businessman from Lake Coeur d'Alene Monday.

Thomas M. Fritz, 63, former CEO of Inland Northwest Health Services, was discovered deceased, entangled in his boat's downrigger lines in approximately 35 feet of water.

The incident occurred in the area of Mowry State Park, near the southern end of the lake. Deputies were called to the scene just after 1 p.m. after receiving a report that a driverless boat was found on the lake.

Deputies were told the fishing boat was observed going in circles near East Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene for approximately 20-30 minutes. The witness told deputies he and a friend went to the boat and found it was not occupied, but there were fishing and downrigger lines in the water. The two men took the boat to the Mowry State Park dock and secured it until deputies arrived.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Recreation Safety Section is currently handling the death investigation. Autopsy and toxicology results will not be available for several weeks.

Fritz served as CEO of Inland Northwest Health Services for 16 years, until his retirement in September.

"Tom will be remembered for his years of service and commitment to the collaborative mission of INHS and the greater Spokane region," said Elaine Couture, chief executive officer of INHS, in a statement released Tuesday by the organization. "Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Active locally, regionally and nationally, Fritz served on many boards including chairing Greater Spokane Inc., Spokane Area Economic Development Council and Spokane Workforce Development Council. Fritz was the incoming board chair for the Association of Washington Business.