Spokane County, Washington – Deputies with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report at about 9:50 a.m. on Friday of a possible deceased individual in Bear Lake. A recovery team, including Major Crimes Detectives and members of the Emergency Operations Team, was quickly assembled and retrieved a body from the water.
Identity not yet confirmed
Investigators are working closely with the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office to establish the identity of the decedent. At this time, officials have not confirmed whether the recovered body is that of the paddleboarder who was reported missing and presumed drowned on July 24, 2026.
Background on the missing paddleboarder
The missing man was last seen on his paddleboard on Bear Lake on July 24. Search crews made several attempts to locate him after the initial report, but low visibility, silt, and dense aquatic vegetation hampered recovery efforts, preventing a successful find.
Ongoing investigation
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office has stated it will release the person’s name, cause, and manner of death when appropriate. Deputies emphasized that the case remains active and that no additional information is available at this time.
Community response
Local residents and friends of the missing paddleboarder have expressed concern and hope for answers. The sheriff’s office continues to encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators.
Authorities remind the public that Bear Lake can present hazardous conditions, especially when visibility is poor. Safety officials recommend wearing proper flotation devices and checking weather and water conditions before venturing onto the lake.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
