Columbia River Drowning Victim Had Helped Save Other Swimmers

Franklin County Coroner Dan Blasdel has identified the 11th drowning victim in area waters this year. He was credited with helping save two other swimmers, but sadly, was taken by the river himself.

24-year-old Luis Alfredo Garcia Munoz was pulled from the Columbia River near the Ringold Hatchery Sunday evening hear Hanford and Pasco.

Blasdel identified Munoz Monday, and said he was indeed the man who had helped pull two young swimmers from the river near the Vernita Bridge last Tuesday.

The two had become caught in some currents and were having difficulty getting to shore. Authorities said Munoz dove in, helped get them to shore and pulled them from the water. . A third juvenile swimmer was able to get to shore on their own.

Munoz then got caught in the current and was swept away.  Sheriff's officials and others said Munoz's actions were "selfless" and he was a true hero.