Man drowns near Granite Falls Fish Ladder; second death this year

A tragic incident occurred in Granite Falls when a 46-year-old man drowned in the Stillaguamish River at the Granite Falls Fish Ladder on Saturday. Deputies responded to reports of an unresponsive individual in the water shortly after 5 p. m. Despite paramedics' attempts at CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene. This marks the second drowning at the fish ladder in 2024, following the death of a 19-year-old hiker in May.

Additionally, just two days before this incident, a 24-year-old man drowned near Eagle Falls, bringing the total number of drownings in the area this year to three. As the region continues to experience a heat wave, local officials are urging swimmers to take necessary precautions, including wearing life jackets and avoiding slippery banks. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the deceased and investigate the cause of death. These incidents highlight the critical importance of water safety, especially during periods of extreme heat.