A Spokane Valley man died Sunday morning from an apparent drowning in the Spokane River in Post Falls. Michael Williams, 25, was pronounced dead at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene.

Williams was swimming Saturday evening at Q’emiln Park when he slipped under the surface for unknown reasons, the Sheriff’s Office said. He had been submerged about five minutes before a Kootenai County Sheriff Marine Unit patrolling the river was flagged down at 6:52 p.m. Saturday.

A deputy dove in the water and found Williams within a few minutes. Williams was loaded onto the patrol boat and deputies began lifesaving efforts. He then was taken ashore where responders from Kootenai County Fire and EMS continued to try to resuscitate Williams.

After about 20 minutes, EMS personnel had restored his pulse, and Williams was taken to Kootenai Health in critical condition, where he died Sunday morning.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in his death, the Sheriff’s Office said/SR.

---

---