Young man drowns in Chehalis River

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — An 18-year-old Elma man who was swimming in the Chehalis River near the South Elma Bridge drowned Thursday afternoon.

The Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office said a 17-year-old girl who was with the man said they were trying to swim across the river to a gravel bar when the man became distressed.

The girl told deputies she attempted to help before swimming to retrieve a pallet on shore to assist, and then he went underwater, officials said.

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The man’s body was found about 9:15 that night after a sheriff’s boat, a dive team and a drone were used in the search.

Officials said although it was in the 90s yesterday, the water temperature was approximately 54 degrees, which can be stressful on even the strongest of swimmers.

Cox Media Group