Young Adult Dies After Jumping from Cliffs on Long Lake
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Willow Bay Marina to investigate the death of a young adult male. From witness statements, the male jumped from a high cliff upriver from the Long Lake Dam. The man never resurfaced and was located underwater by onlookers who started searching when he didn’t surface. They attempted CPR and transported the victim by boat to the marina and medical personnel where he was pronounced deceased.
On June 27, 2021, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a male who jumped off the rock cliffs and didn’t resurface.
A few minutes later, callers stated the male had been pulled from underneath the water by witnesses, CPR was in progress, and he was being transported by boat to the Willow Bay Marina in Stevens County.
Stevens County Fire and Spokane County Fire personnel responded, but despite the efforts of witnesses and medical personnel, the male was pronounced deceased.
Spokane County Deputies arrived at the marina to investigate. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Chaplains were requested to assist with grieving family members and friends at the scene.
From witness statements gained during the investigation, the male jumped from one of the highest points possible, approximately 50’, at a location known as the “cove”. Once he entered the water, he did not resurface. Witnesses and swimmers in the area began searching for the victim, with one pulling him up from beneath the water.
He was moved to a nearby boat, and CPR was provided while he was transported to the Willow Bay Marina, where he was later pronounced deceased.
With the initial information known from witness statements, this tragic loss of life appears to have been accidental but the investigation remains open, with the official cause and manner of death yet to be determined.
Please remember to use caution in and around our waterways as you try to escape this record heat we are experiencing. No one starts a day of fun at the lake expecting to have things turn so suddenly and deadly. Please use caution, be safe, and always wear your life jacket.
