Friday, March 29, 2024

Methow River claims life of Pateros businessman

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PATEROS – Family and friends are mourning the loss of Methow resident and Pateros businessman, Alvin E. Hymer, 74, who drowned in the Methow River, Saturday afternoon, July 1, while attempting to rescue his two dogs from the current.

Hymer and his wife were at the river near the confluence McFarland Creek, a popular boat launch site about 14 miles upstream from the mouth of the Methow.

“The dogs were caught in an eddy and Hymer went into the river to help the dogs and as he did he lost his balance and was swept downstream,” said a media release from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s office. “Hymer’s wife saw him get swept down the river and lost sight of him.”

Rescue crews from Okanogan and Chelan counties, fire units, emergency medical service personnel and local citizens joined the search but were unable to locate Hymer.

Just before noon on Saturday, July 8, Okanogan County Sheriff’s deputies Josh Brown and Ted Shook responded to a citizen’s report of a body spotted floating in Columbia River, south of Pateros, reported Okanogan County Sheriff, Frank Rogers.

Upon arriving at the scene, the deputies could see the victim floating downriver toward Wells Dam, Rogers said. They removed their tactical gear, borrowed a jet ski and recovered the body identified as Hymer.

Brown and Shook brought Hymer’s body to shore at about 12:30 p.m. where they waited for Okanogan County coroner, Dave Rodriguez to arrive and take possession of the remains. Rodriguez contacted Hymer’s family to advise them of the recovery.

Hymer opened the Sweet River Bakery in 2002. Since that time the business has become a popular stop for coffee, desserts, pizza and other treats. Hymer’s son, Alex, joined the business in 2007 to oversee day-to-day operations.

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