UPDATE | Missing man's body found in Stillaguamish River
August 2, 2011 · Updated 12:23 PM
On Aug. 2, divers and rescuers recovered the body of a 19-year-old Everett man who presumably drowned while swimming in the Stillaguamish River on the evening of Aug. 1 near the Blue Stilly Park, northwest of Arlington.
The young man's body was found about 30 to 35 yards from where he had been swimming with friends when he got into trouble and was seen struggling. The water in that area of the river is about 12 feet deep and he was reportedly not wearing a life jacket.
His friend went into the river to help him, but either the current pulled the victim away or the victim pulled away from his friend while struggling, and he went underwater. The friend was not injured.
Authorities were called shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 1. Fire officials used several hovercrafts to look for the victim. Sheriff's divers and the Sheriff's helicopter also searched for the victim until it became too dark.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy and will be the agency to confirm and release the man's name.
As of press time, divers and rescuers were preparing to clear the river.
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