Man Missing From Walla Walla River Front May Have Drowned

A man who went swimming Sunday may have drowned in the Walla Walla River.

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According to a press release from the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office:

The dispatch center received a call reporting a fisherman on the Walla Walla River had gone into the water from the bank and disappeared. The call came through at 5:43 pm on Sunday, May 22nd. Crews from the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office, Walla Walla County Fire District 5, Pasco Fire Department, and Columbia Basin Dive Rescue responded to the incident. Attempts to locate the missing man were unsuccessful.

The dive crew returned to the scene Monday morning to resume the search.

Authorities believe the fisherman may have drowned due to the conditions. The Snake, Walla Walla, and Columbia Rivers are currently in the 50-degree temperature range. Swimming is not recommended at this stage since hypothermia can be easily triggered.

Anyone with information that may contribute to the rescue is urged to contact the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office at 509-527-3265.

The Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office issued the following message:

“Our hearts go out to those close to the person reported missing as they still do not have answers. We have services available to anyone dealing with stressful or traumatic situations, all you need to do is call us and we can help.”