59-year-old Tacoma man drowns in Skykomish River

MONROE, Wash. — The body of a 59-year-old Tacoma man who drowned in the Skykomish River was recovered Saturday.

Officers were called to Al Borlin Park in Monroe around 9 p.m. Saturday.

The man was identified on Monday as Raymond C. Meinzer.

Officials said his next of kin had been notified.

According to police, seven family members gathered to float down the river Saturday, launching two rafts and some float tubes.

No one was wearing a life jacket.

Raymond Meinzer was in one of the float tubes.

Family saw him get to the bank of the river, enter the woods, and then return to his float tube on the water.

It was the last time his family saw him, before rounding a curve in the river, according to officials.

A fisherman later saw Raymond floating in the water, and said he appeared distressed.

Police say the fisherman and another witness called out to him, but Raymond did not respond.

He took in several gulps before going under the water.

911 was called, but Raymond’s body was later recovered by a dive team.

KIRO