Man dies attempting to cross Walla Walla River

By on Sunday, April 30th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Milton-Freewater man who died Saturday afternoon after falling into the Walla Walla River near Harris Park.

Sheriff Terry Rowan said the 46-year-old man was attempting to cross the river when he was swept off his feet. The strong current carried the man down river where some others pulled him out and began CPR.

According to Rowan, EMS arrived and attempted to revive the man, but were unsuccessful after about 40 minutes.

The man’s name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

File photo of Walla Walla River near Harris Park