Girl, 5, who nearly drowned in Lewis River dies

The young girl pulled from the water Saturday at Paradise Point State Park has died, according to her family.

Surrounded by loved ones, 5-year-old Sakura Marie Hern was taken off of life support Wednesday morning after spending days at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, her great aunt Simone Compton said.

Sakura lived in Tualatin, Ore., with her family and was visiting her father when the incident occurred, Compton said.

Emergency crews were called to the state park at about 2:10 p.m. Saturday after Sakura was found underwater in the East Fork of the Lewis River, Clark County Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Tim Dawdy said. People nearby pulled the unresponsive girl from the water and began CPR before emergency crews arrived, Dawdy said.

Sakura was taken to the hospital, but doctors told the family that she would never recover, Compton said.

Compton said her family is grateful to those who helped Sakura at the scene, and those who have prayed for her.

“She loved to sing and dance, being outside, riding her bike. She loved Minnie Mouse. Her big sister, Hanako, was her BFF (best friend forever),” she said. “She was excited to start kindergarten.”

The family will hold a celebration of life on Sunday. Anyone who wants to attend is asked to email hanakohern@gmail.com

The family set up a donation account to cover expenses at www.gofundme.com/2fkm9qs4