Deputies unable to revive kayaker found in Yakima River

KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. - An Everett man is dead after deputies located his body in the Yakima River.

A rafting group found 60-year-old Charles F. Lackey in the river near the "Smiley Face" painted rock, about 12 miles south of Ellensburg, July 18. The group brought him to shore and discovered he was unconscious.

Reports from Kittitas County deputies said Lackey was kayaking with his wife when he fell out while trying to get to shore for lunch near the Umptanum Recreation area.

Deputies' reports indicated Lackey was wearing a life jacket, but took it off to paddle to the shore.

Lackey's wife was out of her kayak and at the shore when she saw him grab a branch to try to make it to shore, which caused him to capsize.

His wife got back in her kayak to search for him, but could not find him.

Kittitas County deputies and Fire & Rescue crews responded around 1:30 p.m. and tried to resuscitate Lackey along with witnesses, but were unsuccessful.

"It is our understanding that this trip was the couple's vacation to celebrate Mr. Lackey's recent retirement. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they cope with this tragedy," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Deputies are encouraging people to wear life jackets and be vigilant about possible river hazards. More information on water safety can be found here.