By Miles Jay Oliver / Yakima Herald-Republic
ELLENSBURG — An Everett man died Tuesday afternoon after falling from a kayak on the Yakima River, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office.
Charles F. Lackey, 60, was about 12 miles south of Ellensburg at about 1:30 p.m when he fell into the water while trying to reach shore near the Umptanum Recreation area, deputies said in a news release.
Initial information indicates Lackey was wearing a life jacket, but removed it as he and his wife — who was in another kayak — prepared to paddle towards shore to stop for lunch, the release said.
Deputies said Lackey’s wife, who on shore, said he capsized after grabbing a branch while trying to stop the boat and get out of the water.
She returned to her kayak to help, but was unable to find him, the release said.
Another group in a raft found Lackey a short time later down river, near the “Smiley Face” painted rock. Lackey was unconscious and brought to shore, where lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
“It is our understanding that this trip was the couple’s vacation to celebrate Mr. Lackey’s recent retirement,” the release said.
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