WEST RICHLAND, WA — A 55-year-old man drowned in the Yakima River on the evening of Saturday, June 29, after falling into the water near the Van Giesen Street bridge, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

The man had been floating the river with a group but was not wearing a life jacket when he went under. Despite efforts by his companions to rescue him, they were unable to pull him from the water.

Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 9:13 p.m., and multiple agencies joined in the search. Drones were deployed to assist in locating the man, and a Dive Rescue team was called in.

The man was found deceased at approximately 10:58 p.m. Benton County detectives responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity.