Body of missing fisherman recovered from Columbia River near Pasco
By Dan Thesman on Monday, July 27th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PASCO — Emergency crews recovered the body of a man Sunday morning near Pasco, days after he disappeared into the water along the Ringold area, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Omar Espinoza Acosta, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Crews working security and emergency response for the local Water Follies event located Espinoza Acosta’s body shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday near an island directly across from Wade Park in Pasco.
Espinoza Acosta was presumed drowned after entering the water near the Ringold Boat Launch on Wednesday afternoon and failing to resurface. Witnesses reported that an individual was fishing with friends when he attempted to cross what he believed was a shallow canal to reach another fishing spot. As he crossed, he lost his footing and was swept into the Columbia River by the powerful current. He was wearing chest-high fishing waders at the time.
Deputies said no foul play is suspected in the incident, which officials described as a tragic accident.
Personnel from Pasco Fire, Pasco Police, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office assisted Franklin County deputies in recovering the remains, which were subsequently turned over to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities expressed their condolences to Espinoza Acosta’s family, while also thanking the numerous family members, friends, and community volunteers who assisted search teams over the past several days.
