Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: On August 22nd 2021 at around 3:15 pm, the Kootenai County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from an occupant on a boat off of city beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene advising that someone was missing in the water. Initially members from the Kootenai County Dive Rescue Team and the Sonar Team and Marine Patrols, as well as Coeur d’Alene Police Department and Coeur d’ Alene Fire and Rescue responded to the location and began searching for the individual, who was described as a 40s year old male with a red shirt and sandals. This search was suspended due to darkness.
This morning the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Sonar Team responded to Lake Coeur d’Alene off of City Beach to help search for the missing person last seen in the water. In addition to the Sonar Team, a cadaver search dog and a civilian helicopter were used. Todd and Zetta Stam, a local business owners in Kootenai County and owner/pilot, who has assisted the Sheriff’s Office with aerial operations in the past, assisted with the search by providing a high altitude view. This combined partnership between law enforcement and our community is an excellent way to enhance our capabilities without cost to the Kootenai County Tax payers.
At 1:30 pm, the subject was located in 11 feet of water about 200 yards from shore. From the initial investigation, it was determined a male was on a boat and fell off into the water. The male was not wearing a life jacket. As a result of the wind and water conditions, the male was not able to make it back to the boat. The occupants of the boat attempted to throw life jackets to the male, but he was able to reach any of them. The investigation also determined that the male had been drinking and was possibly intoxicated.
The male has been identified but due to the male not living in the area, the next of kin has not been notified. This investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it becomes available.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends.
Sheriff Robert B. Norris
By: Lt. Ryan Higgins