ASOTIN, WA – The Asotin County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the death of 38-year-old Adam Anson of Asotin, who drowned in the Snake River on Saturday, August 2.
Deputies were dispatched following a 911 call from Kelsey Anson, who reported her husband had not returned from a solo fishing trip. She directed authorities to a blue kayak anchored roughly 50 feet from shore near the beach across from Asotin Elementary School. The kayak was found unoccupied.
Search efforts began with phone tracking and assistance from the Asotin County Fire boat team, who used side-scan sonar with no initial findings. Later in the afternoon, the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office joined the search with their marine unit and dive team. Within 15–20 minutes of beginning their underwater search, divers located Mr. Anson’s body about 80 yards downstream from the anchored kayak, submerged in 16 feet of water.
Mr. Anson was recovered and transported by boat to the Swallows Nest Boat Launch. The incident is being treated as an accidental drowning, as the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement released on Monday evening that there is no evidence of foul play.
The Sheriff’s Office also expressed condolences to the Anson family and thanked the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office and Asotin County Fire for their assistance.
