11-Year-Old Tacoma Boy Drowns in Cowlitz River, Randle

On Saturday, July 6, 2024, at approximately 10:58 a.m., Lewis County deputies and members of the Swift Water Rescue Team responded to the 200 block of Burton Creek Road in Randle, Washington, in reference to a reported drowning. Deputies learned that an 11-year-old boy, who was wearing his life jacket, had been paddleboarding with his father in the Cowlitz River near Carr Road when he struck a logjam and fell off the paddleboard. Rescue attempts were made by the boy’s father, but the victim was quickly swept under a second logjam and became submerged underwater. Members of the Swift Water Rescue Team recovered the victim’s body and life-saving measures were taken; however, the victim was transported to the hospital and later pronounced deceased.

Sheriff Snaza stated, “This is a very sad and tragic incident.” We ask that everyone be mindful of our rivers as they are still cold and run swiftly this time of year, and they can be dangerous even when wearing a life jacket.