Crews find body of man in Lake Washington after hours of searching

SEATTLE — Divers searched Lake Washington after a 26-year-old man slipped, hit his head, fell into the water and did not surface Saturday late afternoon.

Crews from Mercer Island, Seattle, King County and Fish and Wildlife responded to the south end of the lake for the search. Eventually, their efforts became a recovery mission.  The body was found at about 9:00 o’clock in the evening according to Seattle Police.

Police also said alcohol may have played a role in the accident, which took place less than a mile from the Seafair hydro race course.

Riger Shaw said he grew up with the victim.  He was not on the boat but got the call about an hour after the accident.

“I was in disbelief at first,” Shaw said.  “It’s always tough to hear something like this, I mean it could happen to anybody, never want to hear about it on a weekend like this, but it really makes you realize how precious life is.”

KIRO