Latest Boating Death Appears Alcohol-Related Sheriff’S Department Says Trio Had No Life Jackets With Them

Tue., May 9, 2000

By Susan Drumheller susand@spokesman.com

The county’s second boating fatality this year appears to be alcohol related, according to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Department.

John Russell, 72, died late Friday afternoon when the boat he was fishing in capsized.

Russell, who had no permanent home in western Bonner County, was fishing with two friends on Hoodoo Lake in southern Bonner County when the accident occurred.

The threesome was in a 12-foot aluminum boat, drinking and fishing, said Sgt. Gary Johnston. They were about 75 yards from shore when Russell started rocking the boat and it capsized, Johnston said.

None of the three had life jackets, nor could Russell swim. He was caught underneath the capsized boat, Johnston said.

One of his companions, Kelly Heinrichs, lifted the boat and “muscled” the unconscious Russell to shore, Johnston said. Heinrichs swam back out to the boat to help Pamela Pierce, who was clinging to the overturned boat.

They were unable to revive Russell.

The fishing party was nearly a mile from the nearest residence, so after changing into dry clothes, Pierce went for help, Johnston said.

The fatality was the second fishing accident in two days.

On Thursday, Spokane pediatrician Welzie Allen fell off his boat in Lake Pend Oreille while apparently trying to untangle lines from his motors. Allen, who was alone, was found dead by a fisherman later in the morning.

Last year, the county’s only boating fatality was on Grouse Creek, when a man fell out of his canoe.

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