Three youths were attempting to swim across the river in the Lexington area
A 15-year-old Longview teen has died in a drowning incident in the Cowlitz River.
On Saturday (Aug. 12) at about 6:15 p.m., Cowlitz County deputies along with Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue and the Cowlitz County Dive Team were dispatched to the report of a 15-year-old male, struggling to swim in the Cowlitz River in the Lexington area.
Three youths were attempting to swim across the river. Once the three friends made it about halfway across, they discovered how strong the current was and attempted to turn around to swim back to shore. Two of the swimmers were struggling to swim back to shore.
A bystander observed the two males struggling and jumped into the water to assist. The bystander was able to assist one male back to shore. The other disappeared under the surface.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office deployed a boat as did the Cowlitz County Dive Team. Two divers entered the water and began their search. Within minutes, the dive team recovered the deceased teen.
The male was identified as Zander Medina, age 15 of Longview. His family was notified with the assistance of the Cowlitz Chaplaincy. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded and took custody of the deceased.
Information provided by Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
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