Three youths were attempting to swim across the river in the Lexington area
A 15-year-old Longview teen has died in a drowning incident in the Cowlitz River.
On Saturday (Aug. 12) at about 6:15 p.m., Cowlitz County deputies along with Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue and the Cowlitz County Dive Team were dispatched to the report of a 15-year-old male, struggling to swim in the Cowlitz River in the Lexington area.
Three youths were attempting to swim across the river. Once the three friends made it about halfway across, they discovered how strong the current was and attempted to turn around to swim back to shore. Two of the swimmers were struggling to swim back to shore.
A bystander observed the two males struggling and jumped into the water to assist. The bystander was able to assist one male back to shore. The other disappeared under the surface.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office deployed a boat as did the Cowlitz County Dive Team. Two divers entered the water and began their search. Within minutes, the dive team recovered the deceased teen.
The male was identified as Zander Medina, age 15 of Longview. His family was notified with the assistance of the Cowlitz Chaplaincy. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded and took custody of the deceased.
Information provided by Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- Let’s Go Washington prepares to gather signatures for income tax repeal effort
Let’s Go Washington needs 308,911 signatures by July 2 to put the income tax before voters in November. - Vancouver Police arrest additional suspect in child molestation investigation
William J. Sneiderwine, 61, faces conspiracy and evidence tampering charges in the Wilmington child molestation case. - Letter: ‘Once you decide your political opponents are sick, you don’t have to listen to anything they say’Camas resident Tony Teso argues Ken Vance’s column reframes political disagreement as mental illness to avoid engaging on substance.
- WDFW offers tips after resident reports a cougar sighting in Vancouver city park
Mitch Ratigan was 20–30 feet from a cougar at Ellsworth Springs Park before grabbing his dog and running. - Opinion: Greg Johnson’s $2 million contract delivered a huge mess
Johnson’s $1.9M pay coincided with IBR costs tripling and construction timeline doubling to 20 years. - POLL: What issue should be the top priority for Southwest Washington’s next member of Congress?
Sen. John Braun criticized WA’s new income tax while outlining his congressional priorities in Vancouver. - Opinion: The Democrats’ disproportionate response to Trump
Ken Vance argues Democratic hostility toward Trump has crossed from politics into dangerous derangement.
