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Body of 19-year-old who went missing on Lake Washington recovered

Aug 13, 2026, 5:12 PM | Updated: 5:13 pm

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The Mercer Island Police Department responds after a 19-year-old went missing. (Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island Police Department)

The body of a 19-year-old man who went missing on Lake Washington during Seafair was recovered Thursday.

The man, from Yelm, went missing on July 31, according to the Mercer Island Police Department.

Investigators used cell phone data from the victim’s phone to narrow the search.

“Using side-scan sonar and an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV), search teams located the victim in approximately 150 feet of water in Lake Washington,” the police department stated in a Facebook post.

The body was transferred to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, which will determine the cause and manner of death.

“We extend our condolences to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the police department stated.

19-year-old falls off boat on Lake Washington during Seafair

The man is believed to have fallen off a boat during the Seafair hydroplane races and air show.

At around 10:40 p.m., the vessel was traveling at a high rate of speed when the man reportedly told others on board he needed to use the restroom.

When the group arrived at the eastern high-rise of the I-90 bridge, the 19-year-old was no longer on the boat. The group reportedly searched for about five minutes, then called 911.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Mercer Island Police, and Seattle Harbor Patrol searched for a couple of hours, using infrared spotlights and thermal-imaging drones. Due to darkness and operational considerations, the search crews called off rescue efforts at around 12:30 a.m.

Authorities resumed the search Saturday morning, but still were unable to locate the man. The Coast Guard subsequently announced it had suspended the active search until officials received more information about the man’s disappearance.

Before his body was found, investigators were trying to determine if the man swam to shore or if another boat pulled him from the water.

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