Missing teen found dead in icy river after 4 jump into water, Washington rescuers say

A missing teen’s body was found in an icy Washington river, about an hour after four teens jumped into the water, fire officials said.

Four teens jumped off the orange pedestrian bridge at Riverfront Park just before 7 p.m. May 8, the Spokane Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

Three of the teens were able to get out of the slow-moving, cold water, rescuers said.

One teen didn’t make it out, officials said.

He had been heard yelling for help before vanishing under the water, witnesses told firefighters.

Rescuers began searching for him with kayaks. Other firefighters stayed downstream for “observation and safety,” officials said.

After nearly an hour, his body was found in the water at 7:53 p.m., rescuers said.

Firefighters and paramedics tried to perform “resuscitation efforts but were unable to revive the victim,” officials said.

Now rescuers are warning others about dangers of waterways.

Although the weather is warming in Spokane, the river is still cold and has fast-moving currents, fire officials said.

And with cold water, people can experience cold water shock. It affects breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, which all increase the risk of drowning, officials said.

“Symptoms such as gasping for breath and sudden spikes in heart rate or blood pressure can lead to panic, hindering clear thinking during emergencies,” the fire department said in the post.

Fire officials also reminded the public to avoid drinking alcohol while recreating in water and to always wear a life jacket.

Staying safe in waterways

At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.

Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.

“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”

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