Mercer Island man dies in wakeboarding incident Friday, Aug. 10

By REPORTER STAFF
Mercer Island Reporter Staff
August 15, 2012 · Updated 12:18 PM 

A 33-year-old Mercer Island man died Friday, Aug. 10, after a wakeboarding incident in Lake Washington, near Seward Park.

Nathan Bahner was wakeboarding on Lake Washington near Seward Park, heading toward Mercer Island, when people on the boat towing Bahner realized something was wrong, according to Det. Mark Jamieson with the Seattle Police Department.

Just after 6 p.m., the Mercer Island Fire Department "responded to a report of a 33-year-old male in cardiac arrest following a wake boarding accident." He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Seattle Police Department responded 30 to 45 minutes after the initial reporting, once it was determined that the boat had come from the Seattle side of the lake.

"The officers evaluated the boat operator, who was found to be under the influence of alcohol," said Jamieson. He said the Seattle police's traffic collision investigation squad is investigating the incident because a vehicle was involved. Jamieson said it is an active and ongoing investigation.

The King County Medical Examiners Office said the cause of death is still under investigation.

 

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Staff Reporter Staff at editor@mi-reporter.com.

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