14-year old girl drowns, 20-year old male rescued
information released by Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, USFS File Photo
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on Sunday May 22nd at approximately 4:15 pm RiverCom dispatch advised CCSO Deputies of a water rescue at the Lake Creek campground. Lake Creek campground is approximately 28 miles up Entiat River Road. The caller reported a 14-year-old Wenatchee girl had been washed away in the river. It was also reported a 20-year-old East Wenatchee male was stranded in the middle of the river on a rock.
The call triggered a massive response of searchers and rescue swimmers from Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Fire Districts 1, 7, and 8, Douglas County Fire District 4, Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue, Chelan County Mountain Rescue, and Ballard Ambulance. Approximately 40 rescuers responded.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit also responded to the area to search for the missing girl from a helicopter. The helicopter crew located the missing girl in fast moving water downstream from where the male was stranded on the rock. Water Rescue personnel and other rescuers used a rope system and ladders to access the girl. Unfortunately, she was deceased. As the recovery of the missing girl was in progress, a hoist capable helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island responded to the scene to hoist the male to safety. He was transferred to Ballard Ambulance. The recovery of both the girl and the male were at approximately 8:00 pm.
Names of the involved people are not being released at this time to protect the privacy of the family.
