Moses Lake man dies following fall from boat

MOSES LAKE, Wash. — A 55-year-old Moses Lake man died Sunday night after falling from a boat and into Moses Lake.

According to officials at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, John Walsh and his wife were alone aboard a 22-foot pontoon on Moses Lake between Parker Horn and Lewis Horn. Walsh apparently fell overboard while attempting to move deck lines from one side of the boat to the other.

Walsh’s wife threw him a life preserver, but she lost sight of him when she went to stop the boat’s engine. She searched the waters for a few moments and then called 9-1-1.

Rescue team members from Fire District #5 found Walsh’s body in about 12 feet of water south of Goat Island. Walsh was transported to shore, where Moses Lake Fire Department paramedics began lifesaving measures and took him to Samaritan Hospital, where he died a short time later.

Sheriff’s Officials said Walsh’s body is in the care of Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison whose staff will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. However, it appears that Walsh’s death was an accident.