‘Extraordinary’ biologist drowns while doing fish survey in Washington river, cops say
A 31-year-old biologist died during a fish survey in a Washington river, officials said.
On Sept. 13, authorities responded to a report of a woman “entrapped” in the Wind River near Carson, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
The woman had been conducting a snorkeling survey for steelhead trout for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife when she drowned, according to the agency and deputies.
“This was a tragic accident and the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is mournful for the victim’s family, friends, and co-workers,” Sheriff Summer Scheyer said in the Facebook post.
She was described as “an extraordinary woman and colleague,” according to Kelly Susewind, director of the fish and wildlife agency.
“Her commitment and dedication to her work as a fish and wildlife biologist was exceptional. Our hearts are with her family and all who knew and worked with her,” Susewind said in a statement.
During a snorkeling survey, biologist count adult salmon and steelhead trout.
Carson is near the Washington-Oregon border, about 50 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon.
This story was originally published September 18, 2023 at 3:45 PM with the headline "‘Extraordinary’ biologist drowns while doing fish survey in Washington river, cops say."
