An Issaquah teen is presumed dead after he went missing while swimming with friends in the Snoqualmie River near Olallie State Park Sunday evening, King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Cindi West said.
The 16-year-old was swimming with two friends above the falls near the state park. They were trying to cross the river when the Issaquah teen and another went over nearby falls.
The other teen suffered some hip pain but was otherwise unharmed. The Issaquah teen never resurfaced.
The King County Marine Rescue Dive Unit responded and conducted a surface search of the area on Sunday, but rescue members were unable to put divers in the water due to the rapid current.
Rescue units also spent the day Monday looking for the teen in a limited search area due to dangerous conditions. However, the King County Sheriff’s Office suspended the search around 5 p.m.
“Before another search can be conducted, river conditions will have to improve,” stated a press release. “Conditions are dangerous due to the increased flow of the river caused by the warm weather and snow melt.”
The victim was a student at Issaquah High School. Principal Andrea McCormick sent an email out to parents Monday letting them know that school counseling services will be available to students who need support and asking that students and parents stay away from the Snoqualmie River and Olallie State Park area at that time.
The missing teen’s name was not released as of Reporter deadline.