Special Ops Teams Remove Victim from River

Tour Commander, 509.625.7100

Monday, March 7, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

Spokane, WA--On Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 9:38 AM, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to multiple locations along the Spokane River in west Spokane, responding to several callers reporting an adult floating face-down and lifeless in the river.

A water rescue task force was deployed, including unique resources such as powerboats, kayaks, and low-angle rescue equipment from SFD and Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD). Unified Command was quickly established with Spokane Police Department as both agencies deployed officers and fire apparatus to search for the body from multiple witnesses' locations.

Pedestrians on the Sandifur Bridge reportedly witnessed the body float under the bridge and then lost sight of it as it moved downstream. Shortly after, a recreational kayaker contacted rescuers and reported seeing the body in the water and relayed the location of the last sighting. Based on this information and projected water flow, the body was located on the west bank of the Spokane river within 100 yards of the recent sighting.

SFD Special Operations Teams removed the body in collaboration with Spokane Police Department detectives. This media release will be the last information regarding this incident from the SFD. Journalists and interested parties should contact the Spokane County Medical examiner for details or ensuing information.

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