Mount Si High School junior Joey Wallen passed away June 17 after an accident June 11 at Rattlesnake Lake, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s office.
Wallen, 16, was without air for five minutes before witnesses were able to pull him to shore and administer CPR, according to witness accounts. He was taken to Overlake Hospital in Bellevue.
John Belcher, principal of Mount Si High, sent out an email to the Mount Si community the following day, June 12, offering words of comfort and a list of support resources for students and their families who were struggling with the incident.
“When a situation like this occurs, people have different ways of reacting even if they did not have a close relationship with the person,” Belcher wrote in the email. “Feelings such as shock, sadness, guilt, fear and anger are common.”
He urged parents to reach out to their children — to offer support and be good listeners.
The Mount Si High auditorium was set up as an optional drop-in room for students, with counselors from the district as well as faith-based youth leaders.
Wallen’s church, Cavalry Chapel in North Bend, posted a number of updates on its Facebook site from June 12-18, asking the community to pray for Wallen’s recovery.
No further updates were posted following Wallen’s death. However, Youth Pastor Brock Osborn shared a status update on his personal Facebook on June 18, mourning Wallen.
“Thank you for my little friend, Lord,” he wrote. “Thank you for his impact on our world, and let his life speak of your goodness to all who are grieving the loss of a brother, a son and a dear friend.”
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Wallen’s death an accident.
Water safety tips
- Wear a personal flotation device.
- Do not use alcohol or drugs when recreating on the river.
- Watch children closely when they are on or near any type of water; stay close enough to reach them immediately.
- Choose safer swimming options with lifeguards present, such as a beach, lake or pool.
When planning a boating or floating trip:
- Always tell someone your route and when and where you expect to put in and take out.
- Have a back-up plan for emergency contact in case your trip is cut short by an unforeseen obstacle or emergency.
- Never float the river alone and, if possible, make sure there is at least one oared craft in your group in case a rescue is needed.
- Bring a dry bag with food, water and warm clothes.
Learn more about water safety at http://1.usa.gov/1Kab5Ya.
Source: Public Health – Seattle & King County
Filed Under Local News