Eagle Falls claims 13th victim, man found unresponsive in water
Sep 22, 2026, 5:57 AM
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
A man died over the weekend after being found unresponsive at Eagle Falls in Index, according to emergency responders from Sky Valley Fire. First responders pulled the man from the water and attempted life-saving measures, but he did not survive.
The death marks the 13th fatality at Eagle Falls in six years. Warning signs were previously posted at the popular spot following a 12th death that occurred last summer to caution the public about the hazards in the area. Authorities say that despite the risks, people continue to risk their lives to see the falls.
Sky Valley Fire personnel responded to the scene at Eagle Falls, where firefighters located the unresponsive man and pulled him from the water. Responders performed CPR on the victim for some time, but he died at the scene.
Sky Valley Fire Assistant Chief Ernie Walters said several factors, including the extremely low water temperature, make the area dangerous.
“The sheer coldness of the water is a huge factor,” Walters said. “You have slippery rocks, and if you fall, granite is very hard. Obviously, you can get injured just by falling on it.”
Although warning signs remain posted throughout the area, visitors continue to travel to the site and risk their safety.
“It is a beautiful spot to go on, but I mean, there are a lot of people who really push the boundaries, and they get themselves in trouble,” Walters said.
