A rafting accident on the Green River near Black Diamond took the life of 61-year-old Drew Nielsen Saturday afternoon.
Nielsen was an Everett City Councilman.
The King County Medical Examiner determined Nielsen died of “fresh water drowning.”
According to the King County Sheriff’s Office the incident occurred at 1:30 p.m. near 312th Way and 310th Avenue Southeast.
Sergeant Rodney Chinnick spokesman for the sheriff’s office reported by email, “Nielsen and his party were equipped with helmets, life vests and wet suits. The accident took place in an area called “the faucet”.
Mountain View Fire & Rescue and the King County Sheriff’s office responded to the incident.
Nielson was on the river with his wife and friends. No one else died in the accident.
The raft is reported to have flipped in rough water and Nielsen was carried downstream. His body was recovered Saturday evening.
Nielsen was serving his third term on the Everett City Council in Position No. 5. He was first elected in 2004.
