Father and 7-Year-Old Son Found Dead in Washington River After Boat Capsizes, Authorities Say

 Father and 7-Year-Old Son Found Dead in Washington River After Boat Capsizes, Authorities Say

WASHINGTON — A weekend family outing turned into an unthinkable tragedy after a father and his 7-year-old son were found dead in a Washington river following a boating accident that authorities say occurred when their small vessel flipped over.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the heartbreaking incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when local emergency responders were called to the [name of river withheld by police pending notification of family] after reports surfaced of a capsized boat and two people missing in the fast-moving waters.

Deputies from the county sheriff’s office, alongside search-and-rescue teams, immediately launched a large-scale operation involving boats, drones, and dive units. After hours of intensive searching, the bodies of the 37-year-old father and his young son were recovered downstream late Friday.

“This is an absolutely devastating loss,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Mark Hensley. “Despite the swift response and tireless efforts of our rescue teams, the river’s strong currents and frigid temperatures made conditions extremely dangerous and recovery very difficult.”

Preliminary reports suggest that the small aluminum fishing boat the pair had been using overturned after being caught by a sudden current. Neither victim was wearing a life jacket at the time, officials confirmed. The father’s body was located first, followed shortly by his son’s, about a half-mile apart.

Family members told investigators that the two had set out earlier in the day for what was supposed to be a short fishing trip — something they did often together. When they failed to return home by evening, relatives grew alarmed and reported them missing.

Neighbors and friends have been left heartbroken by the loss, describing the father as a devoted parent who shared a close bond with his little boy. “They were inseparable,” one family friend said. “He adored his son, and they loved being outdoors together. It’s just so tragic — it doesn’t seem real.”

Authorities have since urged the public to exercise extreme caution when boating or fishing in local rivers, especially during the fall season when water levels rise and currents can become unpredictable. “This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of wearing life jackets and checking weather and water conditions before heading out,” Lt. Hensley added.

The county coroner’s office has confirmed the victims’ identities but has withheld them pending full notification of extended family members. Autopsies are scheduled to determine the exact causes of death, though drowning is strongly suspected.

As word of the tragedy spread, community members have begun placing flowers, candles, and handwritten notes near the riverbank in remembrance of the father and son — a somber tribute to two lives lost far too soon.

Counseling and grief support services are being made available to family and friends as they come to terms with the devastating loss.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, but foul play is not suspected at this time.