Paddleboarder Dies After Drowning at Bear Lake in Chattaroy; Search Effort Ends in Tragedy

CHATTAROY, Wash. — A paddleboarder has died after drowning at Bear Lake Regional Park near Chattaroy, Washington, on Friday afternoon, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

Authorities launched a search and rescue operation after receiving reports that a paddleboarder had gone underwater and failed to resurface.

The emergency call came in at approximately 3:30 p.m. Friday, prompting a large response from law enforcement and emergency crews. Deputies with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the lake and began searching for the missing individual.

SCSO officials said deputies worked alongside Spokane Fire Department dive teams as they searched the water for the paddleboarder.

The incident prompted a significant emergency response at Bear Lake Regional Park, with authorities securing the area while rescue crews conducted operations.

After the search effort, officials confirmed that the paddleboarder was located but could not be revived. The individual was pronounced dead, with authorities treating the incident as an apparent drowning.

No additional information about the victim’s identity, age, or what led to the drowning has been released.

Officials have not indicated whether weather conditions, equipment failure, or other factors contributed to the incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remains ongoing.

Authorities are reminding visitors to take precautions when participating in water activities, including wearing a properly fitted life jacket and being aware of changing water conditions.

More details are expected to be released as officials continue their investigation.