Man rescued from Spokane River has died
A Spokane Valley man is in critical condition after being pulled from the Spokane River in Post Falls Saturday by a sheriff's marine unit.
The drowning was reported in the swim area of Q'Emiln Park around 6:52 p.m.
The victim, Michael Williams, 25, was swimming in the swim area when he slipped under the surface for unknown reasons, according to the sheriff's office. Williams had been submerged for approximately five minutes before the KCSO Marine unit was flagged down. A deputy dove into the water and located Williams within a few minutes. With the assistance of a citizen and a lifeguard, Williams was loaded onto the KCSO patrol boat and lifesaving efforts were immediately initiated. Williams was taken to shore where the efforts were turned over to responders from Kootenai County Fire and EMS.
After about 20 minutes, EMS personnel reported they had restored Williams’ pulse and he was transported to Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene where he remains in critical condition.
Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this incident.