Chelan County Sheriff(CCSD) - Sheriff Mike Harum reports on August 15, 2008 at approximately 2133 hours, Rivercom dispatch advised the valley patrols of a possible drowning in the Columbia River near the Malaga Market.  Patrol contact the report party Donald Lee Harrison, a Malaga resident. Harrison explained he had been down by the river looking for his friend and he could not locate him.  Harrison believed his 32 year old East Wenatchee friend may have drowned while swimming in the river.

Harrison led deputies to the river, approximately ¼ of a mile south of his address at 3810 Malcoa Highway.  Harrison stated his friend and his friend’s girlfriend had been visiting this afternoon.  Both arrived at Harrison’s, approximately 1830 hours.  At about 1930 hours, Harrison friends had gone for a walk on the river shore.

At about 2030 hours, Harrison’s female friend came running into Harrison house in a panic and told him, ‘…he didn’t come back up…’, and ‘…he went under the water and did not come back up...’  The female was wet and appeared panicked.   

Harrison stated his friend was swimming near a large rock about 150 yards from the river bank and while swimming back to shore, the victim went under water about 25’-30’ from the shore.  He went under one time and did not surface, stated Harrison.  Harrison searched for approximately 45 minutes to an hour and then called 911. 

Chelan County Marine Patrol searched the area where the victim was last seen for hours.  Deputies located a brown sandal in the water about 6’-7’ from shore.  Harrison identified the sandal and believed it belonged to the victim. 

The Columbia River was calm with only a slight current while Marine 4 searched for the missing victim.  The water level was dropping slowly.  Marine 4 searched the area around where the victim was last seen.  Up and down the river about a mile or more, using spot lights as they traveled along the shore line.  Marine 4 did not locate the victim in the water.

The victim’s name will be released upon notification of next of kin.  Coroner Wayne Harris was notified of the incident. 

With the forecast of 100 plus degree weather, Sheriff Harum reminds everyone to use caution while out enjoying Chelan County waterways.  Wear your floating device and swim smartly.