Snorkeler discovers man’s body at bottom of Thurston County lake
A snorkeler found a man’s body at the bottom of Summit Lake Tuesday afternoon, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
The Olympia area man, thought to be in his 20s, was found about 30 feet from shore at 2:15 p.m.
“It’s presumed to be a drowning at this point,” Lt. Ray Brady said, adding that they found the man’s vehicle in a nearby parking lot, along with some clothes and a beach towel.
This is the second drowning in almost as many days after Max Aunese, a former Timberline High School student and athlete, drowned in a quarry pond in south Thurston County on Saturday.
Brady on Tuesday reminded swimmers that area lakes and rivers are still cold, and cold water can increase fatigue.
“People underestimate their skills and abilities,” he said.
He asks that people use a flotation device if they’re not an expert swimmer. And if you’re swimming with a group of people, know your limits, he said.
“Don’t be afraid to not be part of the group if it means putting your life in danger,” Brady said.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 4:26 PM.
