Another Spokane River drowning reported near Corbin Park

POST FALLS — A Hauser Lake man went missing Saturday afternoon near Corbin Park in the Spokane River after his kayak overturned, and is presumed drowned — which would make it the second straight day someone drowned at that location, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Deputies from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Marine Section, and Dive Rescue Team, along with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to Corbin Park for a possible drowning at 4:45 p.m. Saturday.

A 61-year-old man launched a kayak into the water with two children onboard, KCSO reported. Once the kayak hit a set of rapids, it overturned and sent all three occupants into the water. The children were wearing life jackets and were able to make it to shore. The man was not wearing a life jacket, did not come out of the water and could not be located.

After approximately four hours of searching, KSCO divers with assistance from the KCFR and the KCSO Marine Division were unable to locate the man. The search was called off due to diver exhaustion, depleted resources, and unsafe conditions due to time of night. It was unknown if intoxication was an issue in this incident.

The investigation was ongoing as to the cause of this incident. The KCSO Dive Rescue Team and KCSO Marine Division planned to continue the search first thing today.

This is the second tragedy under very similar circumstances in as many days. KCSO advises that people should not recreate in the Spokane River below the dam due to treacherous and constantly changing water conditions while the Avista Dam is open.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder that the use of life jackets while recreating on the water saves lives. KCSO advises to take additional safety precautions when recreating with children and less-experienced swimmers.