Man drowns near Woodland

Here is a news released from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.

Woodland, WA-A 55-year-old Scappoose man drowned late Sunday after his kayak overturned while he was fishing near Austin Point near Woodland, WA.

At approximately 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a kayak had overturned and the occupant had not resurfaced. Boats from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Fire, Columbia County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office and the Coast Guard responded to the area. A Coast Guard helicopter also assisted in the search.

A short time after the search began, side-sonar from the Clark County Sheriff’s boat noted a possible location a short distance from where the man was last seen. Divers went into the water and recovered the body of Richard Schlumpberger of Scappoose, Oregon.

Mr. Schlumpberger’s family was on shore when he went overboard and were notified of his death by a chaplain from the Cowlitz County Chaplaincy.

Initial reports are that Mr. Schlumpberger became entangled in the anchor line and was unable to free himself, causing the accidental drowning.

The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office is assisting with the investigation.

Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson expressed great appreciation for the combined efforts from all the neighboring agencies in this search and to helping bring resolution to the Schlumpberger family.