UPDATE: July 1, 2025 1:30 p.m.
Benton County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who drowned in the Yakima River on Sunday.
The 54-year-old man’s name is Dwayne Wilson. Wilson is from the Tri-City area.
The coroner’s office said they were not sure at this time if his death was due to drowning, a medical issue or something else.
The autopsy is planned for either Wednesday or Thursday to finalize a cause or manner of death.
WEST RICHLAND, Wash. – A 54-year-old drowned Sunday evening in the Yakima River while floating with a group, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
BCSO got the report in just after 9 p.m. The report said the man had fallen into the river without a life jacket near the Van Giesen Street bridge.
The group he was floating with tried to rescue him but could not.
Drones were used to sweep the river and dive rescue was called to help search. He was found dead at around 11 p.m.
NonStop Local has reached out to BCSO for the man’s identity.
Originally posted on June 30, 2025 12:47 p.m.
