Man drowns near Granite Falls Fish Ladder; second death this year

GRANITE FALLS – A man died Saturday after being found unconscious in the water near the Granite Falls fish ladder, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Just after 5 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of a 46-year-old man lying unresponsive in the south branch of the Stillaguamish River near the 11600 block of Mountain Loop Highway, according to a sheriff’s office post on X. Paramedics attempted CPR but pronounced the man dead at the scene.

The Snohomish County Coroner’s Office will identify the deceased and determine the cause and manner of death.

This is the second fatality at the fish ladder this year. On May 19, a 19-year-old man from Lake Stevens was hiking along the fish ladder when he slipped and fell into the river.

Saturday’s death came two days after a 24-year-old man drowned near Eagle Falls, the third man to drown there this year.

As a heat wave continues in Snohomish County over the next few days, authorities urge swimmers to follow these safety tips when entering the water:

• Always wear a life jacket when on the water. Never go near running water without a life jacket.

• Tree trunks on the beach, river banks and rocks near the shore are often slippery. A fall can render you unconscious and make it impossible to rescue yourself.

• Bring a whistle if you have one. If you are in trouble, this can help to warn people nearby.

Maya Tizon: 425-339-3434; [email protected]; Twitter: @mayatizon.