24-year-old man presumed drowned after falling off paddleboard at Alder Lake
Jun 25, 2026, 6:11 AM
A view of Mount Rainier from Alder Lake. (Photo courtesy of Pierce County)
(Photo courtesy of Pierce County)
Crews searching Alder Lake for a missing paddleboarder are no longer hoping to find him alive, as the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office’s search has pivoted to a recovery mission.
“Yes, sadly this is a drowning,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office told KIRO Newsradio. “Our Marine Service Unit has been activated for a drowning at Alder Lake.”
The search started Wednesday afternoon, when a 24-year-old man fell off his paddleboard and slipped underwater. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket, and he never came back up.
Two dozen crews jumped in to search.
“He has not been seen since around 4 p.m. yesterday,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office stated. “His girlfriend was with him on another paddleboard in the area and witnessed it.”
Crews will resume the recovery mission Thursday morning. The sheriff’s office is encouraging everyone to stay out of the area at this time.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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