Man drowns in Lake Chelan after kayak capsizes

CHELAN, Wash. — A 36-year-old man drowned in Lake Chelan on Saturday afternoon after the inflatable kayak he and his friend were in capsized, according to Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett.

At 2:49 p.m., emergency dispatchers began receiving calls about two men in the water – one of whom was seen for a moment in the water before going under -- north of the dock area at Lake Chelan State Park.

One man made it to a nearby boat and was pulled from the water in fair condition. Several boaters who were taking part in a fishing derby began looking for the missing man. State park rangers, deputies, rescue swimmers, firefighters and medics participated in the search effort.

Shortly before 4 p.m., the victim’s body was spotted on the bottom of the lake, about 30 feet down, according to the sheriff’s office. His body was recovered by a diver from Fire District 7.

Police said the victim, identified as Tacoma man Bonventure Gitau, was not wearing a life vest or flotation device when the kayak capsized.

His body was released to the Chelan County Coroner’s Office.

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