Akash Gopalakrishnan dies in fatal Washington state drowning

Akash Gopalakrishnan dies in fatal Washington state drowning

Fatal Washington state drowning death of Akash Gopalakrishnan

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of a North Carolina man who drowned at Colchuck Lake in Washington. Deputies reported that the 30-year-old Akash Gopalakrishnan passed away on Sunday, August 3, while hiking with three companions near Leavenworth.

According to authorities, the group traveled to the Enchantments region to cool off in the lake. The deputies indicated that Akash Gopalakrishnan experienced cramping. His friends attempted to assist him after he signaled for help, but he reportedly pulled them under the surface.

Emergency services were dispatched around 7 p.m. They received a satellite text-to-911 message describing a man submerged for five minutes without breathing. Another individual reported finding the man underwater and initiating CPR.

Rescue teams arrived on the scene at approximately 8:46 p.m. First responders transported the victim to a fish hatchery where medical personnel were present. Tragically, he could not be saved.

The deputies stated that it remains unknown whether the group was visiting or working in the area. Crews managed to rescue the other three members of the hiking party and also helped the individuals who had been performing CPR. These bystanders waited more than an hour to receive additional help.