Elderly Photographer Collapses, Dies in Lampson Hydroplane Pits Thursday

The Tri City Water Follies and H-1 Unlimited released a statement, and according to other sources as well, a medical emergency resulted in a death Thursday morning in the Columbia River Neil F. Lampson Pit Area.

  Around 8 AM, Elderly Photographer Has Medical Emergency

According to the reports, including the Tri City Herald, the 77-year-old man was not part of the Official Water Follies or H-1 teams, but was photographing the various boats in the pit area.

He collapsed from an undisclosed medical incident, and despite extensive care from the rescue teams, EMS and other rescue personell, he was not able to be saved.

    Officials Said the Amount of Response and Care Was Overwhelming

The statement from H-1 and The Water Follies read in part:

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Tri-City Water Follies staff and volunteers, the H1 Unlimited Rescue Team, EMS personnel and all first responders who responded immediately with professionalism, compassion and urgency."

Officials said the man's death appeared to be due to natural causes, and his name was not released. No other details made available.