The body of William Lewis Hogg, 23,  was recovered from the Toutle River on Thursday afternoon

A Battle Ground man has died after a cliff diving accident in Cowlitz County Wednesday.

At about 3:50 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 24),  Cowlitz County 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call of a male subject who had not resurfaced after jumping into the Toutle River near Castle Rock.  Deputies and fire department personnel responded to the scene, which was determined to be near Toutle River Road.

The Cowlitz Dive Team responded to search the river, assisted by deputies, Fire District 6, Castle Rock Police, and a Longview Police drone.  The search continued until about 9 p.m. and was resumed Thursday morning. At about 2 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 25), divers were able to locate and recover the body of the missing subject. 

The deceased male was identified as 23-year-old William Lewis Hogg of Battle Ground.  Hogg’s family and friends were on scene during the search and assisted in his recovery.

Per the investigating deputy, Hogg had jumped into the Toutle River from a cliff approximately 50 feet above the river. Hogg reportedly struck the surface of the water with his head and chest after doing a front flip.  The coroner’s office has taken custody of the body for further examination to determine the cause of death.

Information provided by Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.