One Dies In Lake Padden In Bellingham After Canoe Capsizes

One man drowned and another suffer from exposure after a canoe capsized on Lake Padden on Friday afternoon in Bellingham, Washington. Cole Smith and Clay Weden, both 28-year-olds, were Canoeing in the lake when their boat capsized and both fell into the frigid water. A witness called 911 after seeing the boat accident and an officer was on the scene in minutes.

Bellingham Police say that an off-duty Bellingham fire fighter and a police officer were able to rescue Smith using a paddle boat but could not find Weden. Search parties combed the lake and area for the man until dusk, but it was not until the next day that divers were able to recover his body. Smith was taken to the hospital for treatment for exposure.

Two lifejackets were found inside the canoe. It is not clear how the canoe capsized in calm waters.