Vancouver man drowns in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE – A 41-year-old Vancouver man reportedly drowned in the water of Soap Lake over the weekend after falling into shallow water near the beach.

According to Soap Lake Police Officer Dwane Hayden, Aleksey Magdin was standing in shallow water just off of West Beach about 11 a.m Sunday in Soap Lake. Magdin then fell forward into the water.

Magdin was pulled out of the water by witnesses on scene and CPR was performed, Hayden said. Hayden did not say if CPR was performed by a witness or medical personnel. Magdin was transported by ambulance to Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata. He was later pronounced dead.

Hayden said Magdin may have suffered a seizure, causing him to fall face-first into the water.

Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison determined the cause of death was freshwater drowning, according to his autopsy report.

He added there was no way to prove Magdin had a seizure, but could not rule out the possibility it may have contributed to the incident.

Morrison also said a number of factors could have contributed but the cause of death would remain the same.

Morrison released Magdin’s name on Monday after notifying his family.